Eric Chelle faces legal trouble as Angola target Super Eagles coach

Eric Chelle could soon find himself at the centre of a complex legal and contractual situation as uncertainty surrounds his role as head coach of the Super Eagles, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 48-year-old manager still has one year remaining on the two-year contract he signed with the Nigeria Football Federation in January 2025. He was brought in to rebuild the Super Eagles after a difficult period, and his early work has earned praise both at home and across Africa.

Under Chelle, Nigeria adopted a more aggressive style built around pressing high up the pitch and quicker attacking transitions. The team’s progress was clear at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Eagles finished third and ranked among the competition’s most entertaining attacking sides.

The Nigeria Football Federation received Eric Chelle’s 19-point contract extension proposal two weeks ago through his former representatives, but discussions have yet to begin with his new team 🇳🇬⚽️

If Chelle remains firm on those terms, negotiations could face a serious… pic.twitter.com/RcKnXotN1q

— Brila Media (@Brilafm889) February 20, 2026

Those improvements have increased Chelle’s reputation, attracting attention from other national teams. Reports now suggest that the Angolan Football Federation has presented an improved and financially attractive offer to lure him away from Nigeria before his contract expires.

Although the NFF has praised his impact, formal talks over extending his deal have not advanced. Negotiations reportedly became more complicated after Chelle recently changed management representation and requested improved salary terms.

Eric Chelle: Agent dispute and possible compensation fight

Away from the pitch, a legal issue may become the biggest obstacle to any potential exit.

French journalist Romain Molina claims Chelle’s former agent could begin legal proceedings against the Malian tactician. The aggrieved party argues that key negotiations, including discussions linked to outside interest, were initiated while the previous agency still officially represented the coach.

The disagreement reportedly stems from Chelle ending his relationship with long-time representative Abraham Sidibe shortly before signing with a new agency, Wilders Sport. If proven, the former agent may argue contractual commitments were not respected.

At the same time, the NFF is unlikely to allow Chelle to leave his Super Eagles role without financial consequences. Federation officials are believed to prefer either a contract renewal or for the coach to complete the remaining year of his agreement. Should he accept Angola’s proposal and terminate his deal early, Nigeria could request compensation for breach of contract.

Chelle recently missed out on taking up the Olympique Marseille manager role but he remains open to coaching in Ligue 1 with Nantes one of his possible next destination.