By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will remain in charge of Nigeria’s senior national team after agreeing to new contract terms with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The agreement was reached on Tuesday in Abuja during a strategic meeting involving NSC and NFF officials. The parties reviewed the future of Nigeria’s national teams and decided to extend Chelle’s responsibilities to include the U-23 national team ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
NSC Confirms Improved Contract Terms
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko confirmed the development after the meeting. He explained that the decision forms part of a broader plan to strengthen Nigeria’s football structure.
According to Dikko, the new arrangement includes improved remuneration for Chelle and better welfare packages for his assistants.
“We have reached new terms with the coach regarding his remuneration. We will also take care of his assistants. In addition, we have introduced performance benchmarks that should excite the coach,” Dikko said.
Reports earlier suggested that Chelle requested a monthly package worth $130,000. The proposed figure reportedly covered salaries for his assistants and other contractual obligations.
Chelle to Lead Nigeria’s U-23 Team
The NSC and NFF also agreed to place Nigeria’s U-23 team under Chelle’s supervision.
Dikko said the move will create continuity between the Olympic Eagles and the Super Eagles. He noted that many U-23 players could become key members of the senior team in the coming years.
“We want young players within that age bracket to develop under the same football philosophy before moving into the Super Eagles,” Dikko explained.
Furthermore, officials believe the arrangement will strengthen Nigeria’s preparations for the men’s football event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Building a Stronger Future for Nigerian Football
Dikko stressed that the new responsibility would not increase Chelle’s workload unnecessarily. Instead, a technical team and support staff will assist him throughout the project.
“Eric Chelle and his team, alongside other support personnel, will handle the project. The objective is to build for the future, not to burden the coach,” he said.
The strategy aims to establish a seamless pathway from youth football to the senior national team.
Chelle Expected to Revive Olympic Eagles
Chelle now faces the challenge of improving the fortunes of Nigeria’s U-23 side.
The Olympic Eagles failed to qualify for both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Similarly, the Super Eagles missed the last two FIFA World Cup tournaments.
However, optimism remains high following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Contract Runs Until End of 2026
Chelle’s current contract runs until the end of 2026. However, negotiations over improved terms had continued for several months before the latest agreement.
The new deal reflects the confidence that Nigerian football authorities have in the 47-year-old Malian coach. They believe he can guide both the Super Eagles and the U-23 team toward future success.
