NFF plans major shake-up as Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles assistants face exit

Nigeria’s football authorities are preparing for key changes in the Super Eagles coaching crew as part of a wider review of the national teams, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigeria Football Federation is understood to be considering replacing the local assistants currently working under Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. Since taking over in January 2025, Marseille-linked Chelle has worked alongside two Nigerian coaches: Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu.

Both men earned their roles after impressive success in the Nigeria Professional Football League, with Ilechukwu winning the title in 2024 and Ogunmodede following up in 2025.

🇳🇬 Our head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede has received an appointment to be the Super Eagles assistant coach for this month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

🆚 Benin Republic on Sept 7 🇧🇯
🆚 Rwanda on Sept 10 🇷🇼

Congratulations, boss 💙#WeAreRemoStars pic.twitter.com/rS38tHmRnW

— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) September 2, 2024

Their appointments were seen as a reward for strong domestic performances and a chance to bring local experience into the national team.

However, officials now believe the Super Eagles may benefit from more seasoned technical support, according to a report by ScoreNigeria.

Chelle has reportedly relied more on his European assistants, which has reduced the influence of the Nigerian coaches in day-to-day team work. There are also concerns about whether the current local assistants would be ready to step up if the head coach were to leave suddenly.

Super Eagles, youth teams likely to feel the impact

The NFF technical committee is set to meet in Abuja to review coaching positions across several national teams, not just the Super Eagles.

The focus is expected to be on bringing in coaches with stronger international experience while redistributing current staff where possible.

Rather than leaving the system completely, the outgoing assistants could be moved to youth teams. The federation is believed to be planning new appointments for the Flying Eagles, the Golden Eaglets, and the Flamingos.

There is growing belief that Remo Stars boss Ogunmodede is pushing strongly to take over the Flying Eagles role, especially with uncertainty around his future at club level. His recent experience working with senior internationals and his league-winning success are seen as strong points in his favour.

Decisions from the technical committee meeting are expected to shape the future of Nigeria’s coaching structure, as the NFF looks to strengthen both the Super Eagles and the country’s youth development pathway.