Eric Chelle: Why Algerian fans are rejecting Super Eagles coach as Desert Foxes boss

Fresh reports have linked Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle with the vacant Algeria national team job, following the Desert Foxes’ uneventful exit from the 2026 World Cup, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles manager is reportedly among the leading candidates to replace Vladimir Petković following Algeria’s failure to reach the Round of 16 at the World Cup.

Although Chelle remains in charge of Nigeria, speculation has continued to grow in recent days. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is said to admire the Franco-Malian coach because of his experience in African football. He previously managed Mali, where he guided the Eagles to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and also worked in Algeria as coach of MC Oran. His ability to speak fluent French is also viewed as an advantage for the Desert Foxes job.

Reports from North Africa have also claimed Algeria could tempt Chelle with a much bigger salary than his current deal with Nigeria. While the Super Eagles coach could reportedly earn around $100,000 per month in his new deal, rumours suggest the FAF could offer as much as $200,000 monthly if they decide to appoint him.

The situation has become even more interesting because Chelle has reportedly not signed the contract extension that Nigerian authorities earlier claimed had been agreed. Although the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) wants him to remain in charge through preparations for the 2027 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the absence of a signed long-term contract has kept the rumours alive.

The latest wave of speculation began after Chelle’s agent, Jibril Oualane, posted a photo on Instagram from a hotel in Algiers. The post contained no explanation, but many supporters quickly believed it was connected to talks with the FAF about the national team vacancy, according to Algerian outlet Fennec Football.

Algerian fans reject Eric Chelle

Instead of welcoming the reports, many Algerian supporters reacted negatively across social media, as per the report. Several fans argued that Chelle has not done enough in his coaching career to deserve the job of managing Algeria, two-time African champions.

Some supporters pointed to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying it would make little sense for Algeria to appoint a coach who could not guide the Super Eagles to the tournament. Others questioned his overall achievements, insisting his coaching record is not strong enough for the Desert Foxes.

One fan wrote that despite the quality available in Nigeria’s squad, Chelle was unable to secure World Cup qualification. Another asked what major success he had achieved to justify leading Algeria. Others also recalled that one of his biggest moments came when Nigeria defeated Algeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but insisted that result alone should not earn him the job.

Many supporters also believe Algeria should appoint a home-grown coach instead of another foreign manager. They argue that someone who understands the country’s football culture would be better placed to rebuild the team after the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup. Several fans believe local leadership would help restore the fighting spirit and identity they feel the Desert Foxes have lost.

Despite the growing rumours, reports from WinWin claim there has been no contact between Chelle and the Algerian Football Federation. Sources close to the situation reportedly said Oualane’s visit to Algiers had nothing to do with negotiations over the national team position.

Instead, the agent, who was born in France to Algerian parents, is believed to have travelled for business involving several clubs in Algeria’s domestic league. Some even suggest the trip could be linked to a possible future return for Chelle to club football in Algeria, where he previously coached MC Oran, rather than discussions about becoming the next Desert Foxes manager.

At the moment, Chelle remains Nigeria’s head coach, while both the NFF and Algerian football authorities continue to face growing questions over who will lead their teams into the next chapter.