Eric Chelle has revealed that he remains the head coach of the Nigerian national team despite speculations of an exit intensifying over the course of the last month.
The Franco-Malian coach resumed the role in January 2025 and has only one year left in his contract. With no talks of an extension so far, he has been linked to multiple jobs.
Chelle has reportedly received offers from the likes of Angola, Tunisia and Mali, while he was also recently linked to take over on an interim basis at French club Olympique Marseille, following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi.
However, he still remains in charge of the Super Eagles, with his next task guiding them to a mini four-nation tournament next month.
What Chelle said about his future at the Super Eagles
Speaking in a podcast session, the 48-year-old confirmed that he is still in charge of the national team and wants to achieve success with the Super Eagles.
“I am still the coach of Nigeria, I have one year left on my contract. Actually, just yesterday, I was in a face-to-face meeting with my technical staff to prepare the list for the games in March”, Chelle said.
I have a structure around me to try to progress as a coach. It’s true that not long ago, I said that my dream was to be the first African at Real Madrid.
“But that’s not my only dream. I want to win an Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria. If we had gone through, I wanted to qualify for the World Cup with Nigeria, I even wanted to win that World Cup.
“I have lots of dreams. I’m 48 years old but still young and someone who wants to realise his dreams”, he added.
The former Mali head coach also spoke about the 19-point demand document that circulated across the internet recently, which included that the Nigerian coach wanted an increase in pay from $50,000 to $130,000.
“The question I am asking myself today is how that document found its way into the media. It is true that, as a man and as a coach, you cannot be universally liked”, Chelle continued.
“I am the coach of Nigeria, and I chose to give my career a new direction. As a coach, I make decisions regarding my starting XI. That does not mean the players on the bench lack quality, but at that particular moment, I selected the team I believed was best.
“I made that decision after careful analysis, convinced that it would help me reach another level in line with my ambition, my vision, and where I intend to go. Perhaps some individuals were affected by that choice. If anyone feels I disrespected or undervalued them in terms of quality, that was never the case.
“I also decided to move to another agency — one I identify with more closely and which I believe will help me take a few steps forward. I am not suggesting that they are responsible for the leak, but the question remains: how did such a document become public?
“When you examine the document closely, I simply asked for what I’m entitled to”, he concluded.
Nigeria will participate in a four-nation tournament in March, alongside hosts Jordan, Iran and Costa Rica, as they prepare for the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
