- The NFF has denied reports that Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle is considering leaving his job, calling the rumors false.
- Chelle is focused on scouting new players, including Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, and preparing Nigeria for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September.
- Nigeria, trailing South Africa in the group standings, must secure wins in both upcoming matches to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied reports that Super Eagles coach, Éric Chelle, is planning to leave his job. Some reports had claimed that the uncertainty around his position made him reconsider his role, forcing the NFF to call an emergency meeting.
Chelle was appointed in January on a two-year contract, with an option to extend for another year if he qualifies Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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However, a report from soccernet.ng, quoting journalist Osasu Obayuwana, suggested that the coach was uncertain about his future.
NFF’s Media Director, Ademola Olajire, dismissed the report, calling it false. He stated that the NFF is fully working with Chelle to ensure Nigeria qualifies for the World Cup. “That story is the biggest joke of the year. The writer must be playing an April Fool’s prank because there is no truth in it,” Olajire said.
Since his appointment, Chelle has led Nigeria in two matches. The Super Eagles won 2-0 against Rwanda in Kigali but were later held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in Uyo. Currently, the coach is in Europe, scouting for Nigerian players and trying to convince young dual-national players to join the Super Eagles.
One of his main targets is 17-year-old Arsenal midfielder, Ethan Nwaneri, who is eligible to play for both Nigeria and England.
Nigeria’s next round of World Cup qualifiers will take place in September. The Super Eagles will first play Rwanda at home in Uyo before traveling to South Africa for a crucial match against Bafana Bafana. Chelle has emphasized the importance of beating South Africa, as Nigeria is currently trailing them in the group. South Africa leads Group C with 13 points after six games, while Nigeria is six points behind with only four matches left to play.
Nigeria must win both upcoming matches to improve their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chelle, aware of the challenge, said, “We must win in South Africa, but first, we have to beat Rwanda at home.”
Nigeria and South Africa have a history of intense matches. Their last meeting in June 2024 ended in a 1-1 draw. They also faced each other in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria won on penalties. As Mali’s coach in AFCON 2023, Chelle led his team to a 2-0 victory over South Africa. Now, he hopes to repeat that success with the Super Eagles to boost their World Cup hopes.
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Historically, Nigeria has dominated this fixture, winning eight of their 16 meetings. South Africa has only won twice, with six matches ending in draws. However, with South Africa playing at home and Nigeria desperate for points, the upcoming match promises to be a tough battle.
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