Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has addressed the growing speculation surrounding his future, confirming that his immediate priority remains leading Nigeria to a podium finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Speaking in Rabat shortly after Nigeria’s heart-wrenching 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Morocco on Wednesday, the 48-year-old tactician chose to deflect questions about his potential departure.
Despite reports linking him to lucrative offers from Tunisia and Angola, Chelle emphasized his commitment to the upcoming third-place play-off scheduled for Saturday in Casablanca.
The Franco-Malian manager, who took the reins in January 2025, has successfully guided the three-time champions to the final four, fulfilling a key mandate from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). While rumors of a post-tournament exit have intensified following the semi-final stalemate, Chelle maintains that official discussions regarding his tenure will only occur after the competition concludes. He appears determined to end the Moroccan campaign on a high note by overcoming the Pharaohs of Egypt to secure a bronze medal for the nation.
“For now, I am still the coach of the Super Eagles,” Chelle stated during the post-match media session. “I have a game against Egypt and I want to win.”
The coach also defended his tactical selection during the semi-final, particularly the decision to start Raphael Onyedika in place of the suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi. Facing inquiries about individual performances, Chelle shifted the narrative toward the importance of collective responsibility rather than singling out any specific player. He explained that his tactical choices serve the broader needs of the squad as they navigate the physical and mental toll of the tournament.
“This is not a question about one player, it’s about the group,” he added, reinforcing his stance on team unity.
As the NFF prepares to evaluate the tournament’s outcome, Chelle’s impressive record of only one regulation-time defeat in 17 matches has made him a sought-after candidate across the continent. However, the Super Eagles must first navigate the “bittersweet” bronze medal fixture against an Egyptian side also reeling from a narrow semi-final loss to Senegal. A victory on Saturday would not only provide a redemptive finish for the Nigerian fans but also strengthen Chelle’s position as he prepares for the next phase of his coaching career.
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