Chelle speaks on Super Eagles contract delay, next visit to Nigeria before Unity Cup

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has revealed that discussions over his new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation are still not settled, Afrik-Foot reports.

After the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, both the NFF and the National Sports Commission made it clear they wanted Chelle to stay on. His current deal is set to expire later this year, and his performance in Morocco strengthened his case.

The Malian coach guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the tournament, which ended in mid-January. That achievement convinced the federation that he deserved an extension.

However, talks have slowed due to key demands made by Chelle and his backroom staff. One of the main issues is financial. Chelle is believed to have asked for a salary package worth $130,000 to cover himself and some of his assistants. Weeks after submitting his proposal, the situation remains unresolved.

Speaking about the delay, Chelle made it clear he is not directly handling the negotiations.

“Yes, there are financial issues to be discussed and resolved,” Chelle told Osasu Obayiuwana. “But I leave them to my agent to handle with the federation. I want to concentrate on the job and the task at hand.”

Despite the uncertainty, Chelle has stayed focused on improving himself. In recent weeks, he has been in France completing coaching recertification courses to keep his qualifications up to date.

Super Eagles: Chelle’s Unity Cup plans

Chelle has now confirmed that he will soon travel to Nigeria as he prepares for the upcoming Unity Cup in London. The competition will feature Nigeria alongside Zimbabwe, Jamaica, and India.

The Super Eagles coach wants to use the trip to closely monitor players in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), with the aim of strengthening his squad ahead of the tournament.

“I am coming to Nigeria to watch some NigeriaPFL games and see some players. And we have the Unity Cup in London to prepare for,” Chelle said.

Since taking charge in January 2025, Chelle has made a strong impression. He inherited a struggling team that had failed to win its first four World Cup qualifying matches. Under his leadership, Nigeria quickly became more organised and difficult to beat.

The Super Eagles have gone more than a year without losing a competitive match in normal time, showing improved discipline and structure. Defensively, the team has looked more solid, while attackers have still found ways to score, with 14 goals recorded in six matches at the AFCON in Morocco.

Looking ahead, Chelle’s next big challenge will be guiding the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2027 AFCON with the team already set to miss the 2026 World Cup.