The Nigeria Football Federation has officially thrown its weight behind head coach Eric Chelle, confirming he will remain in charge of the Super Eagles despite not meeting the pre-tournament target at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
NFF President Affirms Confidence in Technical Crew
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, made the confirmation following Nigeria's campaign in Morocco, where the team secured a bronze medal. The federation had initially set a goal of reaching the final and winning the trophy for Coach Chelle.
This target was not achieved, as the Super Eagles were eliminated by hosts Morocco in the semi-final. However, Gusau highlighted the notable progress displayed by the national team under Chelle's guidance over the past year.
"The team is close to running on autopilot and will definitely achieve a lot of success under the present technical crew," Gusau stated in a release from the NFF. He reflected positively on the overall tournament performance, emphasizing the federation's commitment to continuity.
Praise for Chelle's Capacity and Future Plans
In his assessment, the NFF President praised Chelle's work ethic and impact since taking over the role. "As the head of a hard-working technical crew, Mr Chelle has done exceedingly well within the one year he has been with us," Gusau said.
He further noted that the coach has "shown enormous capacity," solidifying the decision to continue the partnership. The federation pledged its ongoing support to help the team build on its AFCON 2025 showing.
"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," Gusau added, affirming the long-term plan with Chelle at the helm.
How Nigeria Clinched Third Place
The Super Eagles claimed the bronze medal on Saturday at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca after a dramatic encounter with Egypt. The match ended goalless after regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout.
Nigeria ultimately triumphed 4-2 on penalties, ending the tournament on a winning note and providing a positive foundation for the team's future under the confirmed technical leadership of Eric Chelle.
