The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have revealed that Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle will get a new contract, alongside an assignment that includes responsibility for Nigeria’s U-23 team.
The agreement was reached during a meeting at the National Sports Commission (NSC) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, bringing together top sports officials and football administrators.
Those present included NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, and Chelle.
Dikko later confirmed that Chelle will remain in charge of the Super Eagles while also overseeing the U-23 national team.
He said the decision was part of broader discussions on the future direction of Nigeria’s national teams.
ALSO READ: NSC unveils bold reform to strengthen Nigerian football
Chelle’s new deal also includes improved financial terms.
He will reportedly earn $100,000 monthly, an increase from his previous $45,000 salary, while his assistants will now be paid directly by the NFF.
Chelle, 48, was appointed Super Eagles head coach in January 2025. He led the team to third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
His initial contract was due to expire at the end of 2026, with negotiations over improved terms ongoing in recent months following Nigeria’s AFCON performance.
After the meeting, Dikko said agreement had been reached on revised conditions covering remuneration and backroom staff.
“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,” he said.
Dikko also confirmed the expanded role for Chelle, linking the decision to long-term planning between the senior national team and the U-23 side.
“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.
“So, Eric Chelle and his team, plus other people who will support them. The objective is not to give the coach more work but to start building for the future,” he added.
The added responsibility places Chelle in charge of rebuilding Nigeria’s Olympic team, which is preparing for the men’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
