Eric Chelle contract: 4 reasons NFF should back Super Eagles boss after Poland draw

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle remains at the centre of discussions about the future direction of Nigerian football as negotiations over a contract extension with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) continue, Afrik-Foot reports.

Although the Franco-Malian tactician is already tied to a deal that runs until January 2027, talks over a fresh agreement have stalled amid disagreements over financial terms and working conditions.

Despite the uncertainty away from the pitch, support for Chelle continues to grow following Nigeria’s recent performances, with former Super Eagles defender Eric Ejiofor becoming the latest prominent voice to urge the NFF to keep faith in the coach.

Eric Chelle and NFF yet to reach agreement

The contract discussions between Chelle and the NFF have been complicated by the leak of a confidential 19-point proposal submitted by the coach’s camp.

Among the major sticking points is Chelle’s request for an improved monthly package of $130,000, significantly higher than his current salary, believed to be between $50,000 and $55,000 per month. The NFF is understood to be offering a figure closer to $100,000.

Chelle has publicly clarified that the proposed $130,000 is in US dollars rather than euros and would cover not only his salary but also the wages of his technical staff and personal assistant.

The proposal also includes demands for greater control over player selection, improvements to technical facilities, stronger youth development structures, and guarantees that salaries will be paid on time.

While negotiations continue, Chelle has repeatedly stated that he intends to honour his current contract. The NFF has also maintained its support for the coach, encouraged by positive results and strong backing from supporters and stakeholders.

His attention now remains firmly fixed on Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against Portugal after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Poland in Warsaw.

Four reasons Eric Chelle merits a new contract

Chelle has changed how Nigeria play

One of the strongest arguments in favour of extending Chelle’s contract is the clear transformation in the Super Eagles’ playing style.

For years, Nigeria often relied on individual brilliance and counter-attacking football. Under Chelle, the team has developed a more possession-oriented identity built around controlled passing, midfield dominance and structured attacking movements.

Former defender Eric Ejiofor believes this change is one of the coach’s biggest achievements.

“I really think the NFF must keep Eric Chelle as Super Eagles head coach. Firing him now would be a huge step backward,” Ejiofor told the Leadership.

“He has made significant changes to our football. The team now plays an attractive, possession-based style that we’ve been crying out for years. More importantly, he is not just talking about the future – he is actively building it.”

Even in difficult matches such as the recent encounter with Poland, Nigeria continued to create chances and showed confidence in possession despite missing several established stars.

Chelle has opened the door for NPFL and young players

Another major reason behind the growing support for Chelle is his willingness to trust home-based players and emerging talents.

The coach has handed international debuts to 13 players since taking charge. Twelve of those players featured during the recent Unity Cup campaign, where a heavily rotated Nigerian side impressed observers.

Ejiofor believes this approach is helping to reshape the future of the national team.

“That is not easy. You don’t see many foreign coaches trusting NPFL players. Chelle has done it, and the results are there – two wins and one draw from those experiments,” Ejiofor noted.

By giving Nigeria Professional Football League players genuine opportunities rather than symbolic call-ups, Chelle has increased competition within the squad while also providing motivation across the domestic game.

Chelle is building for today and tomorrow

Chelle’s project extends beyond immediate results. The coach has gradually integrated younger players into the squad while maintaining competitiveness at senior level. Rather than relying solely on experienced names, he has created a system where places must be earned.

That strategy was evident during the Unity Cup, where multiple debutants and fringe players performed effectively alongside more established internationals.

His willingness to refresh the squad without sacrificing performances has convinced many observers that he is building a foundation capable of lasting beyond the current generation of Super Eagles stars.

Chelle has made the Super Eagles difficult to beat again

Results remain the strongest currency in football, and Chelle’s record compares favourably with most recent Super Eagles coaches.

Since taking charge, he has overseen 16 victories, nine draws and only one defeat (in a test game) in 26 matches during regulation time. Following that lone setback, Nigeria has responded with an 12-match unbeaten run.

Against Poland, the Super Eagles twice had the advantage to win thanks to goals from Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu but were pecked back by a late Polish equaliser.

“Look at the Poland game. We created chances, we fought back twice, and we did it without some of our biggest stars. That tells you the system is working,” Ejiofor added.

“If the NFF interferes now, we will regret it.”

That ability to remain competitive even when key players are unavailable has become one of the defining characteristics of Chelle’s tenure.

Chelle will again be without star players Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen when the Super Eagles take on Portugal on June 10. The former African champions will look to avenge a damaging 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Selecao the last time both teams met in 2022.