NSC confirms new deal for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, assigns U-23 role

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has announced that a new contract agreement has been concluded between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.

Dikko disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with the NFF leadership led by its president, Ibrahim Gusau, noting that the revised arrangement includes improved remuneration for the coach and expanded responsibilities.

According to him, Chelle’s new deal also assigns him oversight of Nigeria’s U-23 national team as part of a broader technical development structure aimed at strengthening the country’s football pipeline.

Dikko said the agreement reflects a shared vision between the NSC and the NFF to build a more sustainable football system, although he did not disclose the financial details or contract duration.

“We have reached a new term with the coach. We are going to increase his money and also take care of his assistants who are helping him,” he said.

He explained that under the previous arrangement, Chelle reportedly funded his backroom staff independently, but the new deal ensures that the NFF will now handle the payment of assistants.

The NSC chairman added that the coach’s expanded role includes preparing the U-23 team for future competitions, including qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Eric Chelle, appointed in 2025, guided the Super Eagles to a bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria have not qualified for the men’s football event at the Olympics since the 2016 Rio Games.