I’m still Super Eagles coach’ – Eric Chelle shuts down transfer rumours

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to French side Olympique de Marseille, insisting he remains fully committed to Nigeria and still has a year left on his contract.

The Malian tactician addressed growing uncertainty surrounding his future amid ongoing contract negotiations with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and reports about his salary demands.

At the moment we’re speaking, of course I am still the coach of Nigeria,” Chelle said in an interview with histoiresdefootpodcast.

I still have one year left on my contract. In fact, just yesterday I was in a meeting by video with my technical staff to work on the squad list for the March matches. So yes, I am still the coach of Nigeria.”

Renewal talks reportedly began after the National Sports Commission directed the NFF to open discussions over extending his stay.

However, negotiations slowed after details of Chelle’s contract proposal were leaked to the media.

Reports claimed he requested a monthly salary of €130,000 alongside improved working conditions.

Reacting to the development, Eric Chelle confirmed the authenticity of the circulated document but questioned how it became public.

“Today, if I’m being honest, I don’t really know. The first question I ask myself is how this document could have ended up in the media. That’s the question I’m asking myself,” he said.

He clarified that the salary figure widely reported was actually requested in dollars, not euros, and explained that the amount would also cover the wages of his technical crew.

Chelle suggested that discussions remain ongoing and hinted at flexibility if both parties can reach common ground.

Beyond contract matters, Chelle also moved swiftly to shut down rumours connecting him with Olympique de Marseille following Roberto De Zerbi’s departure from the Ligue 1 club.

I have had absolutely no contact with the Olympique de Marseille management,” he stated, firmly distancing himself from the speculation. Marseille have since appointed Habib Beye.

Since taking charge of the Super Eagles, Chelle has overseen a promising run.

Nigeria lifted the Unity Cup in London shortly after his appointment and went on to secure a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The team defeated Egypt in the bronze medal match, scoring 14 goals throughout the tournament and suffering only one defeat — a semi-final penalty shoot-out loss to hosts Morocco.

Culled from vanguard