The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed rumors of an early exit for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, maintaining that the Malian tactician will complete his current contractual obligations. Sherif Inuwa Ahlan, Chairman of the NFF Technical Committee, affirmed on Monday, February 23, 2026, that the football body expects Chelle to honor the remaining nine months of his agreement. This clarification comes as several international federations and European clubs monitor the former defender’s status following his successful podium finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
While Chelle’s tactical success in securing a bronze medal for Nigeria has sparked external interest, the NFF remains focused on continuity. Internal sources indicate that the federation sees no immediate reason to renegotiate or discuss a departure, as both parties remain bound by the existing terms signed in early 2025. Despite the speculation surrounding potential moves to North African or Gulf-based clubs, the NFF leadership expresses absolute confidence in the coach’s professional commitment to the three-time African champions.
“The chairman assured that the Super Eagles coach will honour his contract and so there was no reason to discuss his situation,” a source informed SCORENigeria.
The Super Eagles are currently finalizing preparations for a high-profile four-nation invitational tournament scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan, during the March international break. Nigeria will test its mettle against the host nation and Iran, providing Chelle with a platform to further integrate new talents into the squad. These fixtures serve as a vital warm-up for the resumption of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the Super Eagles aim to reclaim their position at the top of their group.
Chelle has earned significant praise for modernizing the team’s defensive structure while maintaining their traditional attacking flair. As he enters the final phase of his contract, the NFF aims to provide a stable environment to ensure the team builds on its recent continental progress. Supporters across Nigeria now look toward the Amman tournament as the next step in what the federation describes as a mutually respected partnership between the coach and the national team.
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