‘Official signing’ – Eric Chelle takes bold step amid Angola, Marseille links

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has taken a decisive step amid mounting speculation regarding his future, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Chelle has been in charge of the Nigerian national team since last year and has been decent so far.

He steered Nigeria to the 2026 World Cup playoff finals from a tough position in the qualifiers and secured a third-place finish at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

​However, since the conclusion of the tournament, the Franco-Malian tactician’s future has been hanging in the balance. This is not a surprise, as the Frenchman set up Nigeria to play some exciting football during the 2025 AFCON.

He has been linked with coaching roles in Angola, Tunisia, and Algeria, and is heavily touted as a candidate for the vacant managerial position at French Ligue 1 side Marseille. But despite the rumors, nothing concrete has surfaced.

​Last week, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau confirmed that the federation is not parting ways with the former Mali coach just yet.

While Chelle has remained silent on the matter, he has now made a significant move by signing a new contract—though not with a football club.

Éric Chelle Joins New Representation

​Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has officially joined Wilders Sport Agency, who will now serve as his new representatives.

The move was confirmed on Wednesday via a social media post on the agency’s official page, with a picture of the 48-year-old smiling while putting pen to paper.

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A post shared by WILDERS SPORT (@wilders.sport)

​The caption read: “Official signing. Welcome to the family, Coach Éric Sékou Chelle. We are pleased to announce his signing to our agency. His experience, high standards, and leadership will be a great asset as we move forward together.”

​The big question remains: why has he changed agents now?

In the world of sports, a change in representation often means that a sports person is preparing for a move and needs an agency that can better negotiate their interests.

​Coincidentally, Wilders Sport Agency has a strong footprint in France, representing players at Montpellier, OGC Nice, and Nantes. While one could argue that Chelle—being French—is simply sentimental toward a French agency, the timing should raise a few eyebrows.

​As of now, nothing is guaranteed. He has not signed an extension with Nigeria, nor has he agreed to join another team. However, this switch in agencies is a significant move that may provide an inkling into his next career step.