The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has firmly dismissed widespread speculation linking Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle with a move away from Nigeria. Olopade stated, “Eric Chelle is not going anywhere,” addressing reported interest from Tunisia, Gabon, and Angola following Nigeria’s bronze medal finish at AFCON 2025.
He argued that the quality of Nigerian players, calling them the “right equipment,” is a key advantage that Chelle wouldn’t find elsewhere. Olopade revealed he recently hosted the coach for dinner and that high-level discussions are underway to resolve his contract situation.
Key Points:
The statement is a strong, public attempt to quell uncertainty and project stability around the national team’s technical leadership.
It frames Nigeria’s player pool as a unique asset that makes the coaching role more desirable than positions in other national teams.
The revelation of personal diplomacy (a dinner meeting) suggests an informal, collaborative approach to managing the coach’s situation alongside formal negotiations.
It indirectly addresses Chelle’s contract status, confirming ongoing talks and implying a desire to retain him beyond the current term.
The intervention from the NSC DG, rather than the NFF, highlights the multi-layered governance of Nigerian football and efforts to present a unified front.
The NSC’s assertive stance aims to secure continuity for the Super Eagles by dispelling exit rumors and signaling commitment to retaining the current coach.
Sources: Footy-Africa, Complete Sports, Soccernet