Tag: Eric Chelle

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Super Eagles: ‘Eric Chelle Is Not Going Anywhere’ – NSC Director General Confirms

Director-General of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has dismissed any possibility of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle leaving his position or Nigeria, despite interest from Tunisia, Gabon, and Angola.

Chelle has attracted interest from the aforementioned countries after guiding Nigeria to win Bronze at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

The Malian has less than a year remaining on his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation.

However, Olopade has now insisted that Chelle is not leaving Nigeria because the countries interested in him don’t have top players that will make his job easy.

“Eric Chelle is not going anywhere. The countries claiming interest in him don’t have the kind of superstars that make his job easier.

“We must not forget that Eric thrived because he had the right equipment and instruments—the quality personnel he used to execute his ideas.

“I had dinner with him two days ago at my house in Abuja. I’m not the NFF President, but we operate with a collaborative approach, and Eric Chelle has become both a brother and a friend.

“That same night, I called the NFF president, and hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday, we’ll all sit down together,” Olopade told Footy-Africa.

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Super Eagles: ‘Don’t Let Him Go’ – Frank Onyeka Begs NFF Over Chelle

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain head coach Eric Chelle.

Onyeka praised Chelle’s character and ability, insisting that many players within the Super Eagles have a strong affection for him.

Chelle’s current contract with the NFF  will expire in January 2027 after he signed a midway in his two-year contract with the federation.

“When Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles, you could see his game plan and tactics,” Onyeka told Oma Akatugba.

“He’s a good and a lovely man, someone you feel comfortable around.

“He is very open-minded and offers everyone the opportunity they deserve.

“A lot of the Super Eagles players love him so much. Don’t let him go.”

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NFF Confirms Eric Chelle Will Remain As Super Eagles Coach After 2025 AFCON

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has confirmed that Eric Chelle will remain as head coach after Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

NFF had set a target of getting to the final and winning the trophy for Chelle, but he fell short of this, losing to Morocco in the semi-final and winning the bronze medal instead.

Speaking after the tournament, Gusau stated that the national team displayed notable progress under Chelle and affirmed that the federation is committed to working with the coach as Nigeria aims to build on the performance.

“The team is close to running on autopilot and will definitely achieve a lot of success under the present technical crew,” Gusau said via NFF, reflecting on Nigeria’s campaign.

“The NFF is proud of the team’s performance and will continue to do its best to encourage, support, and motivate the team as we go forward.

“As the head of a hard-working technical crew, Mr Chelle has done exceedingly well within the one year he has been with us. He has shown enormous capacity, and we will continue to work with him.”

Nigeria finished third at the tournament after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win the bronze medal, following a goalless draw in regulation time at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Saturday.

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Chelle relieved with Super Eagles AFCON 2025 bronze

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle admitted defeat in the third-place match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations would have been difficult to accept, but expressed pride after the Super Eagles claimed the bronze medal.

Nigeria finished third after edging their opponents to cap a campaign that fell short of the title but provided encouragement for the future.

Speaking after the match, Chelle said the result eased the emotional weight of the tournament and validated the effort of his players.

“It would have been very difficult for me to accept if we had lost this game,” Chelle said. “My players gave everything during this AFCON, and I am very proud to be their coach.”

Chelle relieved with Super Eagles AFCON 2025 bronze

Chelle relieved after Super Eagles win over Egypt for AFCON 2025 bronze – Getty image

Tactical choices and game management

Chelle revealed he deliberately adjusted his system for the third-place match, starting with a flat 4-4-2 rather than his preferred diamond midfield.

According to the coach, the change was part of a broader tactical test rather than a reaction to pressure.

“I wanted to bring the game wide first, then inside,” he explained. “The players are more comfortable in the diamond, so the first half was difficult. In the second half we kept the ball better, and for me, we deserved this victory.”

He also defended his in-game decisions, including substitutions that drew criticism from some supporters.

“If I do something that looks crazy, there is always a reason,” Chelle said, stressing that each decision was made with long-term development in mind.

Focus on players and future planning

The coach praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose place in the squad had been questioned before the tournament, crediting trust and preparation for his performances.

“We prepared Stanley like every other player,” Chelle said. “He is strong, sometimes nervous, but he would go to war for his teammates. He deserves this victory.”

Chelle also addressed questions over squad rotation and the limited involvement of younger players, insisting caution was necessary in high-pressure situations.

“You cannot just throw young players into pressure situations,” he said. “They must prove readiness every day in training.”

Despite missing out on the title, Chelle believes the tournament laid a foundation for progress.

“I am happy with third place, even though I wanted to bring the trophy to Nigeria,” he said. “Our mission now is the next AFCON. We want to build something ambitious.”

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AFCON 2025: Chelle Reveals What Will Happen If Nigeria vs Morocco Goes To Penalties

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has addressed the possibility of their 2025 AFCON semi-final against Morocco being decided by a penalty shootout.

So far, only the last-16 clash between Mali and Tunisia was decided via spot-kicks at the tournament.

Nigeria lost by penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoff in November.

And when asked about his team’s preparations for a shoot-out in case the match against the Atlas Lions extends beyond extra-time, Chelle replied: “I will go to the mosque to pray to win if we get to a penalty shootout.”

If the Eagles are able to beat the host whether in regulation time or penalties, they will take on Senegal or Egypt in Sunday’s final.

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AFCON 2025: Chelle Names Final 28-Man Super Eagles Squad (Full List)

Eric Chelle, the Head coach of the Super Eagles, has released his final squad list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle has trimmed his initial 50-man squad to 28 players.

The most obvious absentee is captain William Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement from international football last week.

However, vice-captains Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen make the cut.

The deadline for the submission of the final squads was December 10.

The Super Eagles squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece), Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)

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AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle warned against overreliance on Osimhen

Former Nigeria winger Tijani Babangida has cautioned Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle against what he calls a “dangerous” overreliance on Victor Osimhen ahead of AFCON 2025.

He insists Nigeria cannot build its ambitions for a fourth continental title around one player, no matter how influential.

Data exposes worrying dependency

Osimhen’s impact on the team is undisputed. With 31 goals in 43 games, he is closing in on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record, and Nigeria’s results reflect his importance.

With him available, the Super Eagles have lost just five of 40 matches. Without him, they have suffered 11 defeats in 29.

AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle warned against overreliance on Osimhen
Chelle warned against over dependence on Osimhen – Getty image

That gulf showed during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria failed to win any of their first four games while Osimhen was injured.

His return brought six goals in six matches and a haul of 14 points, yet the team still fell behind South Africa in the race for automatic qualification.

Collapse against Congo reveals wider structural issue

Osimhen inspired Nigeria past Gabon in the playoff, but when he limped off in the final versus DR Congo, the team fell apart and eventually lost on penalties.

Babangida says moments like that highlight a system too dependent on the striker.

Speaking to Tribal Football, he said Chelle must “fix” the issue and build a squad capable of performing with or without the Galatasaray forward.

He added that every player selected must take responsibility and maintain performance levels irrespective of Osimhen’s availability.

Mentality shift needed ahead of AFCON 2025

Babangida stressed that injuries are part of football and Osimhen’s absence should not “throw the Super Eagles into a mess.”

He urged the coach to instil confidence across the squad, particularly among the attackers, so the team can operate effectively even when their talisman is unavailable.

Nigeria face Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in Group C, opening their AFCON 2025 campaign on December 23 against Tanzania.

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NFF denies claims of owing Chelle two months’ salary, calls out NSC

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has rejected reports alleging that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is being owed two months’ salary ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle, appointed in January with clear performance targets, World Cup qualification and a semi-final berth at AFCON, guided Nigeria from fourth to second in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, finishing one point behind South Africa.

He then steered the team through the playoffs, beating Gabon before losing to DR Congo on penalties.

NFF denies claims of owing Chelle two months’ salary, calls out NSC
NFF denies owing Eric Chelle – Getty image

Payment responsibility lies elsewhere

The NFF insists it bears no responsibility for Chelle’s wages. According to OwnGoal, an official clarified that salary matters fall under the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Shehu Dikko.

The official also corrected circulating rumours, noting that Chelle is owed two months, not three.

“The NFF is not responsible for paying Chelle. The NSC handles that, so they should explain why he hasn’t been paid for October and November,” the official said.

Wider context around financial concerns

This comes after Super Eagles players protested unpaid allowances dating back to 2019 before the World Cup playoff campaign.

Despite the turbulence, Chelle earned a reprieve from the NFF Technical Committee following his strong performances in both qualifying phases, prompting a renewed mandate for AFCON 2025.

The coach has yet to publicly confirm or dispute reports of his outstanding salary.

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AFCON 2025: NFF Reportedly Owing Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle Three Months Salary

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is reportedly owing the head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, for at least three months.

This was revealed by BBC Sport’s journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, via his X account on Tuesday.

Okeleji, however, noted that Chelle is yet to make an official complaint to his employers.

“Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is owed three months salary and bonuses ahead of the AFCON,” Okeleji wrote.

“The Malian, who led the Eagles to 2026 World Cup playoff, has however yet to make an official complaint to his employers (the NFF) about the non-payment of his salary.”

Chelle is expected to submit his final 28-man squad ahead of the AFCON by Wednesday, December 10.

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AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle Releases Super Eagles’ Provisional Squad (Full List)

Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles coach, has unveiled his provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Chelle released the list in a post via Super Eagles’ official X account on Tuesday.

The list includes the likes of Victor Osimhen, Lookman Ademola and Tolu Arokodare to lead the attack.

The likes of goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali are also included in the list.

The midfield are made up of the likes of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka.

The 2025 AFCON will commence later this month and will end in January, 2026.

Full list of Super Eagles’ provisional squad include;

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoya (Udinese FC, Italy); Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos);

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors);

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Peter Agba (Maccabi Haifa, Israel); Tom Dele-Bashiru (Gençlerbirligi SK, Turkey)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic Glasgow, Scotland); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Boniface (Werder Bremen, Germany); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes); Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen, Czech Republic); Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United); Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves); Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (OH Leuven, Belgium); Philip Otele (FC Basel, Switzerland); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961 (Croatia); Emmanuel Michael (Linzer Athletik SK, Austria)

 

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