ABUJA — The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed the contract extension of Eric Sekou Chelle as head coach of the Super Eagles. The agreement, finalized during a meeting between the NSC and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja, includes an improved remuneration package and expanded responsibilities for the coach, who will now also oversee the Olympic Eagles, Nigeria’s under-23 national team.
Under the new terms, the NSC has committed to covering the salaries of Chelle’s assistant coaches a financial responsibility the head coach had previously managed personally. While official financial details remain undisclosed, reports indicate his monthly compensation will increase to approximately $100,000, ending months of negotiations and speculation surrounding his future.
New Contract Details: $100k Salary + U-23 Mandate
• Salary: ∼$100,000 per month, per NSC reports
• New Role: Head coach of Super Eagles + Olympic Eagles U-23
• Assistants: NSC to pay all assistant coaches’ salaries now
• Target: Qualify U-23 team for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
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Since his appointment in January 2025, Chelle has maintained a strong record, leading Nigeria to 16 wins and nine draws in 27 matches. Despite the heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a playoff defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, his tenure has been marked by consistency, including a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and two consecutive Unity Cup titles.
NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko stated that the decision to task Chelle with the under-23 squad is a strategic long-term development initiative. The goal is to create a seamless transition for young talent into the senior setup and to revitalize Nigeria's Olympic football program, with a primary mandate of qualifying the team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The extension brings stability to the Super Eagles following months of uncertainty, during which Chelle was reportedly monitored by several international teams and European clubs. With his future secured, Chelle is expected to begin transitioning his focus toward rebuilding the youth pipeline while maintaining the competitive momentum of the senior national team.
