Super Eagles Coach Chelle Confirms NFF Contract Still Unsigned, Vows to Scout NPFL Before Unity Cup

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation is still not fully signed, with financial terms yet to be resolved. He says he has left the negotiations to his agent while he focuses on getting the team ready.

“Yes, there are financial issues to be discussed and resolved, but I leave those for my agent to handle with the federation. I want to concentrate on the job and the task at hand,” Chelle told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana in an interview published last week.

Despite the contract uncertainty, Chelle says he is pressing ahead. He announced plans to travel to Nigeria to watch NPFL matches firsthand and assess domestic talent before the Unity Cup in London, scheduled for late May.

NPFL players in focus

“I am coming to Nigeria to watch some NPFL games and scout players,” he said. “We also have the Unity Cup in London to prepare for.”

Nigeria will defend the Unity Cup title against Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and India. Chelle’s stance that NPFL players can earn call-ups through strong domestic form has been widely welcomed.

The NFF has not publicly commented on the status of the contract talks. Chelle was appointed Super Eagles coach following a strong AFCON 2025 run that brought Nigeria third place. His contract, if finalised, runs through January 2027.

The situation raises questions about the NFF’s financial management at a time when the federation is also navigating the NPFL title race heading into its final stages.

Sources: Pulse Sports, Football In Nigeria, Africa Top Sports