The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will continue in his position after agreeing to a revised contract that also places him in charge of Nigeria’s U-23 national team.
The announcement was made by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko after a strategic meeting with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja, where discussions focused on the future direction of the country’s national football teams.
Chelle, whose original two-year agreement runs until the end of 2026, had been engaged in contract talks with football authorities for several months. Reports indicated that the Malian tactician sought improved financial terms, including a monthly package of $130,000 to cover both his salary and that of his technical crew.
Providing details of the agreement, Dikko stated that both parties had successfully reached a new arrangement that includes enhanced remuneration and support for Chelle’s assistants.
According to him, the revised deal contains performance benchmarks and other incentives designed to strengthen the coach’s commitment to the national teams.
In addition to overseeing the Super Eagles, Chelle will now lead the Olympic Eagles as Nigeria begins preparations for the men’s football competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Dikko explained that assigning the same coach to both teams is intended to create a smoother pathway for talented young players progressing from the U-23 squad into the senior national team.
He noted that Chelle, alongside his technical team and other supporting personnel, will coordinate the Olympic project as part of a broader plan to secure the future of Nigerian football.
The NSC chairman stressed that the decision was not meant to increase the coach’s workload but rather to establish continuity and long-term development within the national team structure.
Chelle’s expanded responsibilities come at a crucial time, with expectations high that he can restore the fortunes of the Olympic Eagles, who have failed to qualify for the last two Olympic Games. The team missed out on both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 tournaments.
Nigeria’s senior national team has also struggled in recent years, having failed to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cups, making Chelle’s new assignment one of the most significant challenges of his coaching career.