Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical director Austin Eguavoen in an exclusive conversation with Footy-Africa expressed belief that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle should be offered a long-term contract to allow him fully implement his philosophy.
Speaking in an interview exclusively with Footy-Africa, Eguavoen said the Malian has made a strong impression in a short period, highlighted by Nigeria’s third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelle was appointed in January 2025, replacing Eguavoen, who had been in interim charge during the Super Eagles’ successful qualification campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The former Mali international also came close to securing qualification for the FIFA World Cup after taking over the team from a difficult position.
With Chelle reportedly attracting interest from Tunisia, Angola and Gabon, Eguavoen stressed the importance of tying him down to a longer contract.
“The coach came in, bought into our philosophy, and added his leadership, which we accepted. This has brought us to where we are today. We have accepted him, and he has accepted Nigeria as well. He now understands the working conditions and environment much better,” Eguavoen exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Garba Lawal insists NFF have final say on Chelle’s future despite Ndidi backing
Eguavoen believes Chelle’s early achievements justify a longer stay.
“I believe it has to be long term will be positive because of what he has achieved in such a short period. Of course, there will always be critics, but he has done a great job. A longer stay will be good for everyone,” he said.
The NFF, he added, is satisfied with the progress under Chelle and feels the team is moving in the right direction:
“If you assess the team from where he started to where we are now, there is clear progression, and we are happy with that. It’s a journey. Sometimes performances are not good, and people end up criticizing the entire NFF, but things are turning around for the better. I wouldn’t say we are in a rebuilding process because we already have an established team.”
However, Chelle’s squad selection has drawn criticism, particularly his decision to exclude Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players from his 27-man Afcon squad.
Eguavoen admitted this was an area that needs addressing if the coach signs a new deal:
“I felt disappointed that we did not include some NPFL players in the AFCON squad. Some players in the team may not even get a minute of action, so why couldn’t we include a few players from the local league? At least three or four would have been better. The players are not bad, and just because we didn’t do well at CHAN doesn’t mean we should throw the baby out with the bathwater. That said, I think this is something we need to look into because it speaks volumes when players come directly from the local league into a major tournament like AFCON.”
While insisting the federation will not impose players on the coach, Eguavoen said Chelle would be advised and encouraged to spend more time in Nigeria.
“There is an issue. The selection of players for the Super Eagles is the responsibility of the coach. We can only advise him; we cannot force players on him. I must also say that he has a lot of respect for the players and wants to see how he can gradually bring them through. We have discussed this a few times, but the timing has to be right. I believe those boys will get their chance if they continue to perform well. It’s not just about advising him—I think he will do it. He has visited some venues, but one thing I would like us to discuss and push for is for him to stay more in Nigeria. If he stays in the country more often, he will have better opportunities to visit venues and watch players. If he doesn’t, it becomes more difficult,” he concluded.
‘Follow the course’: Wilfred Ndidi urges NFF to back Eric Chelle for the future
Chelle is expected to begin talks with the Nigeria Football Federation over a new contract in the coming days.
