Post-AFCON: NFF Rules Out Contract Renewal Talks with Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau has ruled out any immediate talks over a new contract for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, despite Nigeria’s impressive showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Gusau, speaking to The Guardian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on Monday, said the federation remains committed to the two-year contract signed with Chelle in January 2025 and sees no reason to rush into renegotiations.
According to the NFF boss, Chelle is still in the early stages of his deal, and discussions about his future will only be considered towards the end of the contract period.
Nigeria finished third at the Morocco AFCON, earning a bronze medal after a strong campaign that sparked calls from fans and pundits for the coach to be rewarded with an extension.
Since taking charge, Chelle has overseen 17 competitive matches without defeat, recording 11 wins and six draws. Under his guidance, the Super Eagles scored 14 goals at the tournament — the highest number Nigeria have ever scored at a single AFCON — and went unbeaten in regulation time across all seven matches.
The Super Eagles impressed against top African sides such as Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt, while also picking up wins against Tanzania and Uganda. The bronze medal finish in Casablanca marked Nigeria’s 17th podium appearance in 21 AFCON tournaments.
Gusau praised Chelle’s impact, noting that the coach has shown great ability within his first year in charge. He also revealed that preparations for the next AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will begin in March.
Nigeria have previously won the AFCON title three times — in 1980, 1994 and 2013 — scoring eight, nine and 11 goals respectively. The 14 goals recorded in Morocco represent a new national record at the competition.
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi had earlier urged the NFF to reward Chelle with a new deal following the team’s performance.
Gusau also explained why Nigerian players did not receive their bronze medals at the stadium after the third-place match. He said the players had to leave Morocco quickly to return to their clubs.
According to Gusau, the medals are currently in his possession, adding that Nigeria were not the only team affected, as Egypt faced a similar situation. He explained that if the medal ceremony had taken place on matchday, the players would have received their medals at the stadium.
