The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will remain in charge of Nigeria’s senior national team and has also been handed responsibility for the country’s U-23 side after agreeing new contract terms.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko announced the development on Tuesday following a meeting between the Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja, where discussions centred on the future of the national teams.
Chelle’s original two-year contract is set to expire at the end of 2026, with negotiations over an improved deal ongoing in recent months.
Following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, reports suggested that the 47-year-old Malian had requested a monthly salary package of $130,000, which would also cover the wages of his assistants and other contractual provisions.
Providing an update on the negotiations, Dikko revealed that both parties had reached an agreement on enhanced terms, including improved remuneration and support for Chelle’s technical crew.
“We have reached new terms with the coach regarding his remuneration. We are also going to take care of his assistants, and there are other benchmarks we have put on the table. I’m sure the coach will be very excited about it,” Dikko said.
In addition to leading the three-time African champions, Chelle will now oversee Nigeria’s U-23 national team as preparations begin for the men’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Dikko explained that the decision was designed to create a seamless pathway between the U-23 side and the Super Eagles, with several emerging talents expected to graduate to the senior team over the coming years.
“With the NFF, we also agreed that the coach will take charge of the U-23 national team because we have young players coming into the Super Eagles within that age bracket.
“So, Eric Chelle and his team, alongside other personnel who will support them, will drive the project. The objective is not to burden the coach with more work but to begin building for the future,” he added.
The expanded role presents a fresh challenge for Chelle, who is now tasked with revitalising Nigeria’s U-23 programme.
The Olympic Eagles have failed to qualify for the men’s football tournament at the last two Olympic Games, missing out on both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Similarly, the Super Eagles have not qualified for the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup, increasing the pressure on Chelle to restore both teams to major international competitions.
