
- NFF Denies Reports of Eric Chelle’s Sack.
- 🇳🇬 Super Eagles Coach Chelle Heads to Europe for Talent Hunt.
- Can Nigeria Still Qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
A top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official has dismissed reports that Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, is about to lose his job.
The official called these rumors false and said there has been no talk of sacking the coach. 🚫⚽
❌ No Plans to Sack Chelle, NFF Says
Chelle became the Super Eagles coach in January 2025 after signing a two-year contract to lead the team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 🏆
Recently, after mixed results in the qualifiers, some reports claimed that Chelle might leave the team, and the NFF had called an emergency meeting to discuss his future.
A senior NFF official, speaking to The PUNCH, denied these claims:
> “There is nothing like that. I am a board member, and there has not been any issue raised about the contract of the coach. It is all fake news.”
✈️ Chelle Travels to Europe to Recruit Players, Not for Crisis Talks
As rumors spread, Eric Chelle was already traveling to Europe, but not because of contract issues. Instead, he was looking for new players to strengthen the team. 💪🇳🇬
Also Read: Nigeria v Rwanda: Eric Chelle Calls for Improvement Despite Nigeria’s 2-0 Win
His main goal? Convince talented Nigerian-eligible players to join the Super Eagles for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
👀 Which Players Is Chelle Targeting?
🔥 Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal, 17, Attacking Midfielder) – He can play for both Nigeria and England, but was left out of England’s recent squad.
Other Nigerian-eligible players – More names are expected soon.
> “The coach is expected to meet some players in Europe, and Ethan Nwaneri will not be left out,” an NFF source confirmed.
✅ Will Nwaneri choose Nigeria and become the next Super Eagles star? 🌟
⚽ Can Super Eagles Still Qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Chelle has coached two World Cup qualifiers so far:
1. ✅ Nigeria 2-0 Rwanda – A strong win away from home. 🎯
2. ❌ Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe – A frustrating draw in Uyo. 😤
Right now, Nigeria is fourth in Group C, meaning they must win their next four matches to stand a chance of qualifying. 📉
🔜 What’s Next for the Super Eagles?
Chelle is focused on improving the team, but Nigeria’s World Cup hopes depend on:
🏆 Winning their remaining matches.
📊 How other teams in Group C perform.
🛫 Getting top players through scouting.
🚀 Can the Super Eagles make a comeback and qualify for the 2026 World Cup?