The Nigerian football scene has been abuzz with rumors regarding the potential termination of Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle’s contract. These rumors, however, have been categorically dismissed by a top official within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who labeled them as “fake news.” Chelle, a Franco-Malian, was appointed in January on a two-year contract with an option for renewal. Speculation arose following mixed results in the March 2026 World Cup qualifiers, leading some to believe his position was in jeopardy and prompting reports of an emergency NFF meeting. An NFF board member has refuted these claims, stating that no such meeting took place and that the coach’s contract is not under discussion. Instead, Chelle is currently on a trip to Europe to meet with Nigerian players, both current and prospective, as part of his ongoing duties.
Chelle’s European tour is focused on solidifying the Super Eagles’ squad and exploring potential additions. A primary target is Arsenal’s promising young midfielder, Ethan Nwaneri. The 17-year-old is eligible to represent both Nigeria and England, having played for the latter at youth level. Nwaneri’s omission from the recent England squad has heightened speculation about a potential switch to Nigeria, a possibility Chelle is keen to explore during his European trip. The coach’s objective is to convince Nwaneri, and other eligible players, to commit their international future to the Super Eagles. This proactive approach underlines the NFF’s commitment to building a strong and competitive national team.
The rumors surrounding Chelle’s contract seem to have stemmed from Nigeria’s less-than-stellar performance in the recent World Cup qualifiers. The team secured a 2-0 victory against Rwanda in Kigali but could only manage a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo. These results have placed Nigeria fourth in Group C, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance. While the team’s chances of progressing remain slim, they are not entirely extinguished, and the NFF is clearly focused on maximizing their potential. Chelle’s European tour, and his pursuit of talented players like Nwaneri, are seen as crucial steps towards achieving this goal.
The NFF’s swift denial of the contract termination rumors serves to quell speculation and reaffirm their faith in Chelle’s leadership. The board member’s insistence that the reports are “fake news” underscores the NFF’s desire to maintain stability within the team and avoid unnecessary distractions. This clear and decisive communication also aims to protect the coach’s reputation and allow him to focus on the task at hand: strengthening the Super Eagles squad and preparing for the remaining World Cup qualifiers.
Despite the initial setback in the qualifiers, the NFF remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. They believe that with the right blend of experience and emerging talent, the Super Eagles can still mount a challenge and secure a place in the 2026 World Cup. Chelle’s European recruitment drive is a key component of this strategy, as the NFF seeks to bolster the squad with players who can make an immediate impact. The pursuit of Nwaneri, in particular, highlights their ambition to attract some of the most promising young talents in global football.
In conclusion, the rumors surrounding Eric Chelle’s contract have been definitively debunked by the NFF. The coach remains firmly in charge of the Super Eagles and is currently engaged in a crucial European tour aimed at strengthening the squad. While the team’s World Cup qualifying campaign has gotten off to a rocky start, the NFF remains confident in Chelle’s ability to turn things around. The pursuit of players like Ethan Nwaneri demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive team capable of achieving their ultimate goal: qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The focus now shifts to the remaining qualifiers and the hope that Chelle’s efforts in Europe will bear fruit and contribute to a successful campaign.
