Nigeria manager Eric Chelle to sign new contract and lead Olympic side in expanded role

The Franco-Malian tactician was appointed in January 2025 as Super Eagles tactician following the resignation of Finidi George, who resigned two months into his appointment.

Chelle was initially tasked with leading Nigeria to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but that never materialised as the country lost the ticket to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final. Nevertheless, the country finished third at the 2025Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed the contract extension on Tuesday during a meeting in Abuja attended by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, and other federation officials.

One of the key improvements in the new agreement is a substantial salary increase. Chelle previously earned about $50,000 per month and was responsible for paying members of his coaching staff from his own salary, but the former Mali international will reportedly now earn around $100,000 per month, while the NFF will now take full responsibility for the salaries of his backroom staff. 

In addition to retaining control of the Super Eagles, Chelle has been handed an expanded role with Nigeria’s U-23 national team, the Dream Team. He will oversee preparations and qualification efforts for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, as Nigeria seek to return to the men's event for the first time since winning bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Speaking to the media, as reported by Premium Times, Dikko revealed that discussions regarding the coach’s future have been concluded, with the NFF now expected to finalise the necessary documentation.

“It’s a new contract and a new remuneration which I think the NFF will do the necessary to now be able to finalise it,” he said.

“But I think I can confirm to you, we have agreed on a new term sheet with the coach, and the NFF will put it on paper. But I think we have agreed on something with the coach about his remuneration.”

After impressive performances against Poland and Portugal early this month, the three-time African champions will regroup in September for their AFCON qualifier against Madagascar.

To qualify for the football tournament, Nigeria must also negotiate their way past Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in Group L.