NFF Reviews Super Eagles Coaching Staff Amid Eric Chelle Extension Talks
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is preparing significant changes to the Super Eagles' coaching setup, as contract extension discussions with head coach Eric Chelle continue. This move comes amid reports of Chelle's interest in coaching opportunities in Europe's top leagues, adding urgency to the federation's review of national team structures.
Potential Reassignment of Local Assistants
According to sources, the NFF is considering replacing the local assistants currently working under Chelle, specifically Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu. Both coaches were appointed to integrate domestic expertise into the national setup, with Ilechukwu winning the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title in 2024 and Ogunmodede following in 2025. However, reports suggest Chelle has increasingly relied on European assistants, potentially diminishing the roles of Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu in daily operations.
Concerns have been raised about the assistants' ability to step up if Chelle were to leave suddenly, prompting the NFF to explore reassigning them to youth national teams, such as the Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets, and Flamingos. This strategy aims to retain talent within the Nigerian football ecosystem while addressing potential gaps at the senior level.
Eric Chelle's European Ambitions
The timing of the NFF's review coincides with Chelle's expressed desire to coach in Europe, with Real Madrid mentioned as a personal target. Recently, Chelle was reportedly spotted at Olympique de Marseille's Velodrome Stadium, following the sacking of Roberto De Zerbi after a heavy defeat to PSG. Journalist Ojora Babatunde indicates that Chelle is now on Marseille's radar, though no formal offer has been confirmed.
This situation has intensified the NFF's focus on strengthening the Super Eagles' technical team to ensure continuity, even if Chelle moves abroad. The Franco-Malian manager, who led Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, was appointed in January 2025 after the dismissal of Jose Peseiro and resignation of Finidi George due to poor performance in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
NFF Technical Committee Meeting
The NFF technical committee is set to convene in Abuja to discuss coaching positions across multiple national teams. The goal is to enhance international experience within all squads while redistributing current staff effectively. There is particular interest in Ogunmodede potentially taking the Flying Eagles role, leveraging his domestic success and experience with senior internationals.
In a related development, the NFF has issued a strong warning to Chelle amid reported interest from other African nations and clubs, including Olympique de Marseille. As the federation plans these adjustments, attention remains on Chelle's future, with his European ambitions adding suspense to Nigeria's coaching landscape.
