The Nigeria Football Federation's Technical Committee has scheduled a crucial meeting with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for Monday, December 1st, 2025, to determine his future with the national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Critical Meeting Amidst World Cup Disappointment
Eric Chelle, who previously coached Mali, will face the NFF technical committee just weeks after failing to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Despite this setback, the federation has given him a new mandate to lead the team to AFCON 2025, scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.
The former Mali manager took over the Super Eagles during a difficult period in the CAF qualification Group C, where the team had managed only three points from four matches. Under his leadership, Nigeria finished second in their group with 17 points, behind South Africa's Bafana Bafana, after a decisive 4-1 victory against Benin Republic in the final qualification match.
Road to AFCON 2025 and Squad Overhaul
According to reports from Score Nigeria, the technical committee intends to meet with Coach Chelle before the release of the provisional squad list and the opening of training camp. The meeting comes with specific directives for the coach, including mandating him to reach the AFCON final or risk dismissal.
The NFF has also directed Chelle to overhaul the current squad following player protests that embarrassed the country during the World Cup playoffs. Top officials have urged the coach to consider players who are in top form at their respective clubs, signaling potential significant changes to the Super Eagles lineup.
Nigeria has been drawn in a group with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda for the upcoming AFCON tournament, presenting a challenging path to the knockout stages.
Support and Challenges for Chelle
Despite the pressure, Chelle has received backing from prominent sports journalist Miyen Akiri, who believes the coach shouldn't be under excessive pressure. In an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, Akiri stated: "The NFF technical committee must allow Eric Chelle do his job; he took a job everyone were running away from. I believe he is going to make a huge impact at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations; he is an experienced coach and with the support of the country, he will bring home the trophy."
The meeting occurs against the backdrop of several challenges, including:
- Unpaid allowances dating back to 2019 that led to a training boycott
- The NFF owing Chelle two months' salary
- Identification of five players believed to have instigated the training boycott
- Pressure to deliver results at AFCON 2025
As the Super Eagles shift their focus to the continental tournament, all eyes will be on the outcome of this decisive meeting that could shape Nigeria's football future.
