Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has restated his determination to remain in charge of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, insisting that his focus is firmly on the task at hand despite growing speculation about his future.
Naija News reports the Super Eagles’ hopes of lifting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) were dashed on Wednesday night after a dramatic semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco, who defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties.
The result has left the team battling for pride in Saturday’s third-place play-off against Egypt in Casablanca.
Eric Chelle, who is in the second year of his two-year deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has attracted interest from several countries impressed by Nigeria’s performances under his guidance.
Reports have linked the Franco-Malian tactician with possible moves to Tunisia, Angola, Guinea and Mali, where he previously worked.
Tunisia, in particular, are believed to be keen on appointing a new manager following the dismissal of Sami Trabelsi.
According to reports, Tunisian football chiefs are ready to make a strong financial offer, said to be in the region of 100,000 dollars per month, with formal talks expected after the tournament.
Speaking after the semi-final loss to Morocco, Eric Chelle played down the rumours and struck a calm note about his future.
“My future, now I don’t know, but I know I am the coach of Nigeria, and maybe in a few days, my president will tell me it is finished or I continue,” he said.
“For now, I will analyse this game and the AFCON, and we have one more game against Egypt. I am proud of my players but disappointed for them because, in reality, we were perhaps the best team in this tournament. So, the AFCON is not finished yet.
“As I said, I have been a fan of the team, and this job is essential to me. I try to do my job, and after the last game, normally, I will have some meetings with the NFF, and we will decide. If anyone doesn’t tell me I have to stop, then I am here.”
Eric Chelle was appointed in January 2025 and officially began work two months later, inheriting a side still fighting for qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Although Nigeria eventually missed out, marking a second straight absence from the global football event, his overall record has been encouraging.
Since March 2025, the Super Eagles have played 17 competitive matches under his leadership, winning 12 and drawing five.
Two of those draws, however, ended in heartbreak via penalty shoot-outs, including a World Cup play-off defeat to DR Congo in November 2025 and the recent AFCON semi-final loss to Morocco.
