NFF President Ibrahim Gusau Confirms Eric Chelle Will Remain Super Eagles Head Coach

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has dismissed speculation surrounding the future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, confirming that the Malian tactician will remain in charge of the national team.

Uncertainty over Chelle’s position intensified following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last month. Although the Super Eagles finished third in the tournament, many analysts and supporters believed Nigeria were arguably the strongest side on display.

Despite rumors linking Chelle with a potential exit, Gusau made it clear that the coach still has one year remaining on his contract and is not under any obligation to leave.

Speaking in a recent interview, the NFF president emphasized the federation’s commitment to stability and its desire to avoid unnecessary distractions.

“We still have a one-year contract with Eric and therefore whatever anyone will show on him, he has to wait until his contract expires. We don’t want to bring any distraction to him because we understand that he enjoys working with Nigeria,” Gusau said.

Gusau also stressed that coaching decisions are not purely financial, suggesting that professional ambition and the right working environment matter just as much as salary.

“It’s not just about a team being interested in you,” he continued.
“The question is whether they have the materials for him to work with to achieve what he wants. Every coach dreams of achieving success, especially in major tournaments.

It’s not about the money. The issue is whether he can achieve his career goals there, or if he is just going for the money.”