Eric Chelle Confirms Unresolved Financial Issues in NFF Contract Amid Plans to Scout NPFL Talent

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has disclosed that the financial terms of his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have yet to be fully resolved, with negotiations still ongoing between his representatives and the federation.

The Franco-Malian coach, speaking in a conversation with journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on Friday, April 25, 2026, was clear that he has deliberately distanced himself from the contractual discussions, delegating the matter to his agent. “Yes, there are financial issues to be discussed and resolved, but I leave them to my agent to handle with the federation. I want to concentrate on the job and the task at hand,” Chelle stated.

Chelle has been in discussions with the NFF for several months. According to reports, certain conditions relating to his contract must be met by the federation for his long-term future in the role to be secured. Despite the uncertainty surrounding those financial details, the 46-year-old remains focused on preparing the Super Eagles for upcoming competitive action.

On the football side, Chelle confirmed he intends to travel to Nigeria to attend matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as part of efforts to identify domestic talent for potential integration into the national team setup. “I am coming to Nigeria to watch some NPFL games and see some players. And we have the Unity Cup in London to prepare for,” he said.

The 2026 Unity Cup is scheduled to take place in London from May 26 to 30, with matches to be hosted at The Valley, the home ground of Charlton Athletic. Nigeria, the defending champions of the tournament, will face Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and India in the competition.

Chelle’s attention to the NPFL signals a continued push to broaden the Super Eagles’ player pool beyond the established European-based contingent. The domestic league has historically been an underutilised source of national team talent, and a direct scouting visit from the head coach would represent a notable gesture toward the local football ecosystem.

The contract uncertainty comes at a significant moment for Nigerian football. Chelle guided the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at AFCON 2025, a result that demonstrated measurable progress for a squad that had endured a difficult period in recent years. His continued tenure, however, appears contingent on the NFF meeting the financial requirements his camp has outlined.

The NFF has not issued a public statement on the current status of the contract negotiations. As the Unity Cup approaches and the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers continues, clarity over Chelle’s long-term contract status will be closely watched by Nigerian football stakeholders.