NSC Confirms New Deal for Chelle, Hands Him U-23 Eagles Job
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will continue in his role and also take charge of Nigeria’s U-23 national team after agreeing to new contract terms.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko announced the decision on Tuesday after a meeting between officials of the Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja.
Chelle’s current two-year contract is due to end in December 2026, but discussions over a new and improved agreement have been taking place in recent months.
Speaking after the meeting, Dikko revealed that both sides had reached an agreement on a new package that includes better pay and support for the coach’s assistants.
“We have reached new terms with the coach about his new remuneration. We are also going to take care of his assistants, and there are other benchmarks that we have put on the table, and I’m sure the coach will be very excited about it,” Dikko said.
The NSC chairman also confirmed that Chelle will lead the Nigeria U-23 team as part of preparations for the men’s football event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Dikko explained that the decision was taken to create a smooth pathway for young players moving from the U-23 team to the Super Eagles.
“With the NFF, we also agreed that the coach will take care of the U-23 national team because we have young players coming into the Super Eagles within that age bracket,” Dikko said.
“So, Eric Chelle and his team, plus other people who will support them, will handle the project. The objective is not to give the coach more work but to start building for the future.”
The new role gives Chelle greater responsibility as he aims to improve the fortunes of the Olympic Eagles.
Nigeria’s U-23 team has failed to qualify for the last two Olympic Games, missing out on both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. The Super Eagles have also struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cups.
The NFF and NSC hope that placing both teams under Chelle’s leadership will help develop young talents and strengthen the future of Nigerian football.
