Eric Chelle reportedly set to quit as Super Eagles coac
Franco-Malian tactician Eric Chelle is reportedly considering stepping down as head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, just two months after his appointment.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed Chelle as the Super Eagles head coach in January on a two-year deal, subject to renewal.
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According to Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, the NFF is set to hold a crisis meeting to address the uncertainty surrounding Chelle’s future just months after his appointment.
“Eric Chelle is considering terminating his contract as Super Eagles manager. Sources within the NFF say that uncertainty over his fate beyond the FIFA World Cup qualifying series has led to a dramatic change of heart. The NFF will hold a crisis meeting to address the matter,” Obayiuwana stated as quoted by BSNSports.
NFF official dismisses exit rumors
However, The Punch reports that claims about Chelle’s potential contract termination are false.
“There is nothing like that,” an anonymous NFF board member told The PUNCH. “I am a board member, and there has not been any issue raised about the coach’s contract. It is all fake news.”
Super Eagles struggle in World Cup qualification
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and is struggling in its bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, trailing leaders South Africa (13 points), Rwanda, and Benin Republic (eight points each).
Chelle faces mounting pressure ahead of the crucial qualifiers in September. Nigeria will host Lesotho before a decisive away clash against South Africa in Johannesburg, which could determine their World Cup fate.
