“He will be fired” — Ex-NFA secretary warns Eric Chelle over World Cup qualification

By Monsurah Olatunji

Former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) General Secretary, Alhaji Sani Toro, has issued a stern warning to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, stressing that failure to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will lead to his dismissal.

Chelle, who was appointed in March, began his tenure with a win over Rwanda but drew criticism following a lackluster draw against Zimbabwe in his second match.

Nigeria currently sits on seven points from six matches—six points behind group leaders South Africa—raising concerns about their qualification hopes.

Speaking to Nation’s Sports, Toro underscored the importance of the upcoming qualifiers, drawing on his own experience during Nigeria’s historic qualification for the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

“They have given the coach (Eric Chelle) a target. Let him work towards it and qualify for the World Cup,” Toro said.

He emphasized the need to support the coach fully, allowing him the freedom to make key squad decisions without external interference.

“Let’s give him enough support to achieve it. He should be given a free hand to select the players he knows can help him. We should not be dictating to him,” Toro added.

Despite confirming that Chelle’s contract is not explicitly tied to qualification, Toro made it clear what the consequences would be.

“If he succeeds, well and good, then his contract will be renewed. If he doesn’t succeed, definitely, he’s going to be fired.”

Currently in Egypt to observe the Flying Eagles at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Chelle is expected to also oversee Nigeria’s youth national teams and the CHAN Eagles.

With the World Cup qualification format allowing only group winners to advance automatically—and the best four second-placed teams entering a playoff—the pressure on Chelle continues to mount.