SUPER Eagles winger Moses Simon has thrown his weight behind Eric Chelle’s continued stay as head coach of the national team, praising the Franco-Malian tactician’s leadership qualities and the unity he has brought to the squad amid reports that he is set to receive a contract extension, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Chelle, who was appointed on an initial two-year contract, is currently in the second year of his deal, which is expected to expire at the end of the year.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) are reportedly putting the finishing touches to a fresh agreement that would keep the former Mali coach in charge of the Super Eagles beyond the expiration of his current contract.
According to an earlier report, the proposed extension is expected to see Chelle earn a monthly salary of $100,000 while also assuming responsibility for the Olympic Eagles as part of a broader technical restructuring within Nigerian football.
The long-term arrangement is reportedly designed to run until 2030, with major targets including winning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking about Chelle’s influence on the team, Simon said the coach has won the confidence and loyalty of the players through his exceptional man-management skills and his fighting spirit.
“Of course, Eric Chelle is a good person. He’s a good man. He deserves it for many years. We haven’t had a coach that hasn’t lost a game like this. We lost just one game against Portugal. He has done very well. He brings all the teams together,” Simon told Urban Dwell Sport.
The Nantes winger further described Chelle as a father figure within the team and commended his commitment to standing by his players.
“He’s like a father to everybody and you can see in his interviews he loves war when playing. So, he loves his players to go all in. He’s ready to fight for his players.
“That’s why the boys are ready to do everything for the nation, for the coach and for themselves. So I’m happy he is staying,” Simon added.
Chelle has enjoyed an impressive start to his tenure with the Super Eagles, overseeing an unbeaten run in competitive matches and helping to restore confidence within the squad after a difficult period for the three-time African champions.
His spell in charge has also been characterised by a stronger team identity and improved cohesion, with several senior players publicly expressing confidence in his methods as Nigeria continue preparations for the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
