CAF Reinforces Coaching Standards Amid Nigeria's Managerial Uncertainty
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered a significant directive to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding mandatory coaching qualifications for national teams participating in continental competitions. This communication arrives at a critical juncture as the NFF navigates complex contract negotiations with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who has reportedly presented 19 demanding conditions for contract renewal.
Coaching Qualification Requirements Clarified
In an official statement, CAF has mandated that all member associations must ensure their coaching staff meet specific certification standards for participation in continental tournaments. For men's competitions including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and finals, Champions League, and Confederation Cup, head coaches must possess either a CAF A, CAF Pro, or equivalent Confederation Pro Licence.
The requirements extend across various competition categories:
- Women's senior competitions require head coaches to hold CAF A or equivalent Confederation Pro Licence
- Men's youth tournaments (U17 and U20) mandate CAF A or equivalent for head coaches
- Women's youth competitions require CAF B or equivalent Confederation A Licence for head coaches
CAF instructor Bunmi Haruna emphasized in an exclusive comment that these standards represent a "wake-up call for Nigeria to run more coaching courses" to develop certified coaches and remain competitive with other top African football nations.
Eric Chelle's Contract Standoff Complicates NFF Position
The CAF directive arrives as the Nigeria Football Federation faces mounting pressure regarding the future of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle. Appointed in January 2025 with a UEFA Pro License equivalent qualification, Chelle guided Nigeria to victory in the 2025 Unity Cup against Jamaica, marking the country's first trophy in twelve years.
Despite this success and leading the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a penalty shootout victory over Egypt, Chelle's contract renewal has hit significant obstacles. The Franco-Malian coach has reportedly outlined 19 stringent conditions for continuing his tenure, including a substantial salary increase to approximately $130,000 monthly to cover his technical crew and personal assistant.
The NFF's dilemma is multifaceted:
- Chelle has developed strong rapport with players and fans through his tactical approach
- His salary demands present financial challenges for the federation
- CAF's reinforced qualification requirements add another layer of compliance consideration
- Potential replacements are already being considered should negotiations fail
Potential Successor Already Identified
As contract talks with Eric Chelle remain deadlocked, the Nigeria Football Federation has reportedly identified United States-based coach Michael Nsien as a potential successor. This contingency planning reflects the federation's preparation for various outcomes, particularly as Chelle has attracted interest from Angola following their disappointing performance at the 2025 AFCON tournament.
The situation presents a complex challenge for Nigerian football administration, balancing coaching qualification compliance with practical managerial considerations. As CAF strengthens its certification requirements, the NFF must navigate both regulatory expectations and the practical realities of securing quality leadership for the national team while managing financial constraints and fan expectations.
