SUPER Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has acknowledged that financial negotiations remain ongoing between his camp and the Nigeria Football Federation over the terms of his contract, even as he insists that his primary focus remains firmly on managing the national team and preparing for upcoming competitions.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Chelle, whose current contract runs until January 2027, confirmed that discussions surrounding his future are still in progress, but clarified that those engagements are being handled by his representative.
He stressed that his attention is fixed on technical responsibilities, particularly in the aftermath of Nigeria’s impressive outing at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, where the Super Eagles secured a third-place finish.
Speaking in an interview with Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Chelle admitted that financial considerations remain part of the talks but emphasised that he is deliberately distancing himself from the negotiations to concentrate on his duties.
“Yes, there are financial issues to be discussed and resolved. But I leave them to my agent to handle with the federation,” Chelle was quoted as saying.
“I want to concentrate on the job and the task at hand,” he added.
The coach’s remarks come at a time when attention on his future has intensified, following Nigeria’s recent success on the continental stage.
Reports suggest that his performance has attracted interest from other teams, although he has reiterated his commitment to continuing his work with the Super Eagles.
As part of his ongoing plans, Chelle disclosed that he will soon be in Nigeria to monitor domestic talent, with a particular focus on the Nigeria Premier Football League. The scouting exercise forms a key part of his broader effort to strengthen the squad ahead of upcoming assignments.
“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 Franco-Malian tactician has already outlined a strategy that includes closely tracking home-based players while also assessing uncapped players of Nigerian descent playing abroad, as part of an expanded talent identification drive.
Attention is also turning to the Unity Cup 2026 in London, where Nigeria will defend the title they won in 2025. The Super Eagles are scheduled to open their campaign against Zimbabwe at The Valley on May 26, with a potential second fixture against either Jamaica or India depending on the outcome.
Beyond the tournament, the Nigeria national team is also lined up for international friendlies against Poland and Portugal in June.
These fixtures are expected to provide Chelle with further opportunities to test his squad against high-level opposition as part of his ongoing rebuilding process.