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NSC Backs Eric Chelle, Contract Talks to Begin Soon — Bukola Olopade
The Director General of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has confirmed that the country is pleased with the work of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and expects discussions over a new contract to commence shortly.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, Olopade revealed he has already held talks with Chelle, whose current deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has only a few months left to run.
Olopade disclosed that he recently met the Malian tactician in Abuja and expressed confidence that formal negotiations will soon follow.
“I had dinner with him two days ago at my house in Abuja. I am not the NFF President, but we operate with a collaborative approach, and Eric Chelle has become both a brother and a friend,” Olopade said.
“That same night, I called the NFF president, and hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday, we will all sit down together.”
Chelle guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, earning widespread praise for the Super Eagles’ attacking style and organisation. During the period, Nigeria scored 35 goals and conceded just 13, performances that have drawn comparisons with some of the country’s most successful eras.
Despite reported interest from Tunisia, Gabon and Angola, Olopade insisted Chelle is not leaving.
“Eric Chelle is not going anywhere,” he declared. “The countries claiming interest in him do not have the kind of superstars that make his job easier.
“He thrived because he had the right equipment and instruments — the quality personnel he used to execute his ideas. It was not just about coaching; it was about the ability he found within the team.”
Olopade also highlighted the depth and balance within the current Super Eagles squad.
“Today, we have surplus across all departments — depth in defence, surplus in midfield, strength in attack and even in goalkeeping. Okonkwo of Arsenal and Wrexham is coming — FIFA has cleared him. He is a 21-year-old goalkeeper already making a huge name for himself,” he said.
Appointed in January 2025 following the exits of José Peseiro, Austin Eguavoen and Finidi George, Chelle introduced a 4-4-2 diamond system that transformed Nigeria’s approach. Under his guidance, the Super Eagles scored a team-record 14 goals at a single AFCON, dominated possession in most matches and kept four consecutive clean sheets in the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Nigeria went unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning five matches before drawing against Morocco in the semi-finals and Egypt in the third-place play-off, which was decided on penalties.
Olopade acknowledged that Chelle’s appointment initially attracted scepticism but maintained he was convinced it was the right decision.
“Some sections of the media and some ex-players questioned how a Malian could coach Nigeria,” he said. “But Eric had scored 75 goals with Mali. I believed that if he could do that without players like Osimhen or Lookman, he would turn Nigeria into a goal-scoring machine.
“I am glad today that our efforts paid off. I proudly take credit, alongside Mallam Shehu Dikko, for being part of the decision to appoint Eric Chelle.”
Addressing reports of unpaid bonuses and administrative challenges during the tournament, Olopade defended the role of the NSC and government.
“The NSC has been responsible for paying the coaches’ salaries, and payments have not failed — except for January, which will be settled next week. This is historic,” he said.
He also praised the level of support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The funding the Super Eagles and the NFF have received has been massive. That confidence is transferred to the coaches and players, and it leads to success — not just in football, but across all sports.”
Olopade also responded to criticism from former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh, who questioned celebrations around Nigeria’s third-place finish and criticised Victor Osimhen’s conduct.
“I disagree with Oliseh on many of his comments,” Olopade stated. “Our legends deserve respect, but they must also mentor the younger generation, not denigrate them.
“Osimhen is the second biggest brand in Nigeria after the Super Eagles, in my professional opinion. Osimhen, Lookman, Akor, Bassey, Ekong — these are heroes of our country today, and we must recognise and respect them as such.”
With contract talks on the horizon, Olopade’s remarks underline strong institutional backing for Chelle as Nigeria looks to build on a promising new era under the Malian coach.
