NFF Officially Dismisses Eric Chelle Exit Rumors Amid International Interest
The Nigeria Football Federation has issued a firm clarification regarding the future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, directly addressing widespread rumors linking the Franco-Malian tactician to positions with the Moroccan national team and prestigious club Wydad Casablanca.
Persistent Speculation Following AFCON Performance
Chelle's position has remained a prominent topic within Nigerian football circles since he guided the national team to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Morocco. While some supporters praised the team's attacking style and visible progress under his leadership, others noted the team fell short of their runner-up achievement in the 2023 tournament.
The debate intensified significantly when a detailed 19-point contract renewal proposal, allegedly from Chelle's camp, was leaked online. This document sparked extensive public discussion about whether the federation should extend his tenure.
Journalist Advocates for Continuity
Paris-based Nigerian journalist Babatunde Ojora provided strong support for Chelle during an interview, emphasizing the tangible development witnessed since his appointment. "We can see the progress in the team the moment he became the gaffer," Ojora stated. "They played very well at the last AFCON... His gameplan was attacking, free, flair football. He has brought balance, fluidity and flair to the team. It's only normal to continue with him because he's building something."
NFF's Official Rebuttal to Foreign Links
According to multiple sports media reports circulating this week, speculation emerged from Morocco suggesting Chelle was a candidate to replace Walid Regragui as national team coach. Simultaneously, separate reports connected him to the managerial vacancy at Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
In response, the Nigeria Football Federation moved swiftly to quash these rumors. The federation, through the Super Eagles media officer, categorically labeled the reports as unfounded and emphasized that Chelle remains fully focused on his duties with the Nigerian national team. The official Super Eagles social media account reinforced this message by sharing recent training photos of the coach.
History of External Interest and Upcoming Fixtures
This incident marks another chapter in ongoing external interest in Chelle's services. Previously, he has been linked with French club Olympique Marseille and the national team positions of both Tunisia and Angola.
The manager's immediate attention is now directed toward preparing the Super Eagles for upcoming international friendly matches. The team is scheduled to face Iran on March 27, 2026, followed by a match against Jordan on March 31, 2026.
Background on Contract Negotiations
Separately, Chelle has publicly defended his contract demands, which include a reported monthly salary request of $130,000. The coach justified this figure by explaining that he personally finances his four-member technical staff, necessitating a substantial increase to cover these operational expenses.
The Nigeria Football Federation's clear statement aims to settle the speculation and allow the team to concentrate on future competitions, affirming their commitment to stability under Chelle's leadership for the foreseeable future.
