AFCON 2025
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to remain in charge of Nigeria’s senior national team after an agreement was reached on an improved contract package, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has confirmed.
Dikko disclosed the development on Tuesday following a meeting between officials of the NSC and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja, where discussions focused on the future of Nigeria’s national teams and long-term football development plans.
Chelle, whose current two-year contract runs until the end of 2026, had been engaged in negotiations with the NFF over improved terms after guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
According to Dikko, both parties have now agreed on fresh terms, with only the formal documentation by the NFF remaining before the deal is finalized.
“With this new contract and new remuneration, I think the NFF will do the necessary and finalise it,” Dikko told journalists.
“At least I can confirm to you that we have agreed on new terms with the coach pending when the NFF will put it on paper. We have agreed to increase his remuneration and we are also going to take care of his assistants.”
Salary Increase and Assistant Coaches Covered
Reports indicate that Chelle’s salary will rise from $50,000 to $100,000 per month under the new agreement.
The Malian tactician had reportedly requested a monthly package of $130,000 that would cover both his salary and the wages of his backroom staff.
Under the new arrangement, the NFF will assume responsibility for paying Chelle’s assistants directly, removing that financial burden from the coach.
Dikko expressed confidence that the new package would strengthen the coach’s commitment to the national team project.
“We are also going to take care of his assistants that are helping him and I am sure the coach would be excited about it. That issue has been put out of the way, so the NFF will deal with the rest,” he added.
Chelle Handed Additional U-23 Eagles Responsibility
In a move aimed at creating continuity across Nigeria’s national teams, Dikko also revealed that Chelle will oversee the U-23 Eagles alongside his role with the Super Eagles.
The decision is part of a broader strategy to build a seamless pathway from youth football to the senior national team ahead of future international competitions.
Nigeria’s U-23 side has struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Their last appearance at the Olympics came in Rio 2016, where they won a bronze medal under former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia.
According to Dikko, placing the U-23 team under Chelle’s supervision will ensure that young talents are developed within the same tactical framework as the senior national side.
“The coach will also take care of the U-23 national team because we can see the young players already coming into the Super Eagles who are within that age bracket,” Dikko explained.
“Instead of having different ideas, let’s have one idea from the U-23 level to the Super Eagles. Eric Chelle and his team will have support staff to help them achieve that objective.”
Focus Shifts to World Cup 2030 Project
Dikko emphasized that the decision forms part of a long-term vision designed to prepare Nigeria for future major tournaments, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The NSC chairman stressed the importance of learning from past setbacks and building a stronger foundation through youth development.
“The objective is that we have to build for 2030 now. We have to start bringing in the young ones who will become the future of the team while laying the foundation for sustained success,” he said.
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Next on Agenda
With his future now set to be secured, Chelle’s immediate focus will turn to Nigeria’s qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The qualifying series is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with expectations high after the Super Eagles’ recent successes under the coach.
Chelle recently guided Nigeria to retain the Unity Cup title following a convincing 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final in London.
The renewed confidence from the NSC and NFF signals strong belief in the coach’s ability to lead the Super Eagles into a new era as Nigeria targets continental success and a return to the FIFA World Cup.
