NFF Set to Offer Eric Chelle New Contract After AFCON 2025 Progress

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is preparing to offer Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle a new contract following an impressive run of results since his appointment.

Chelle was named head coach in January 2025 during a challenging phase of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, replacing interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. The former Mali international was handed the task of stabilising the team and restoring confidence.

Since taking charge, Chelle has overseen a notable turnaround, with officials at both the NFF and the National Sports Commission reportedly satisfied with his performances and overall impact.

Chelle was initially mandated to guide Nigeria to at least the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, a target he has now achieved. A senior official confirmed that reaching the last four has automatically triggered a contract extension clause in his deal.

Despite early criticism from sections of the media following his appointment, both the NFF and the Sports Commission believe the decision to hand Chelle the job has been justified by results and performances.

Formal talks over an improved long-term deal are expected to begin after the Africa Cup of Nations, once the team returns to Nigeria, barring any unforeseen developments.

The 47-year-old has yet to lose a competitive match in regulation time since assuming control of the Super Eagles 12 months ago. His record currently stands at 11 wins and five draws from 17 matches, with his only regulation-time defeat coming in a December friendly against Egypt in Cairo, when Nigeria fielded an understrength squad.

However, results were less convincing with the Super Eagles B team at the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where Nigeria suffered two group-stage defeats.

With a new contract effectively assured, Chelle will now lead Nigeria into Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Playing in Chelle’s preferred 4-4-2 diamond formation, the Super Eagles have been among the standout teams of the tournament. Nigeria topped Group C with a perfect record after victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, before defeating Mozambique in the round of 16 and Algeria in the quarter-finals.

So far, the Super Eagles have scored 14 goals and conceded just four, recording two clean sheets along the way.

Victory over Morocco would see Nigeria return to the Africa Cup of Nations final, less than a year after finishing runners-up to Ivory Coast in Côte d’Ivoire.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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