Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his intention to hold a decisive meeting with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) immediately following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Chelle's Focus on AFCON Amidst Pressure
The Franco-Malian tactician, who has faced intense scrutiny after Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stated that his current priority is solely on the continental tournament. Nigeria begins its campaign in Group C against Tanzania on Tuesday evening at the Fez Stadium, followed by matches against Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda three days later.
Addressing questions about his future in a pre-match briefing, Chelle emphasized his short-term focus. "Since I took this job my life with the team is maybe after this game, it is finished," he said via All Nigeria Soccer. "I am only focused on the game, my players, and my officials. We have a game and I want to stay focused about this game."
Post-Tournament Talks and Unpaid Salaries
Chelle confirmed that discussions about his position and other matters would wait until after the team's participation in AFCON. "After the AFCON, for sure, we would have a meeting with my FA, we would talk about everything," he stated, dismissing immediate speculation about a potential sacking.
The coach's declaration comes amid reports that he is owed three months' salary by the football federation. Chelle, however, sidestepped questions regarding the unpaid wages, reiterating that his "sole focus is on the tournament in Morocco" and ensuring the Super Eagles perform well in their quest for a fourth AFCON title.
He added, "We stay focused on the first game because this is the most important game right now. To come in this tournament, to show our ambition and after we will have the time to talk about everything."
Super Eagles' Path and External Predictions
As Nigeria prepares for its opening fixture, an unusual prediction has surfaced. A cat known as Nimbus Pronos, or Oracle Whiskers, which previously gained fame in Europe for predicting UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup outcomes, has reportedly made a forecast for the Nigeria vs Tanzania match, stirring conversation among fans.
The Super Eagles, under Chelle's guidance, aim to navigate a challenging Group C and advance deep into the knockout stages of the competition hosted by Morocco.
