Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has said that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) alone can decide whether he continues in his role as head coach of Nigeria.
The Franco-Malian coach signed a two-year contract after he was appointed in January 2025 with a specific mandate of leading Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, and World Cup.
The 48-year-old tactician was close to meeting his objectives, but Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign ended in heartbreak on Wednesday after the team lost 4-2 on penalties to host nation Morocco in the semi-final at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Despite failing to meet his target, Chelle expressed willingness to continue in his role, insisting that he remains committed to the project of rebuilding, strengthening and taking the Super Eagles to glory.
Responding to questions about his position after the loss to Morocco, he explained that though he’s willing to continue his fate is not in his own hands but will be determined by the Nigerian football governing body.
He emphasised that he is prepared to carry on with the job if given the opportunity, but accepted that the final decision rests with the NFF.
Nigeria will now shift focus to the third-place playoff match, while the Federation is expected to review the team’s performance and determine the next steps regarding the coaching position.
The third-place match between Egypt and Nigeria will take place on Saturday, 17 January 2026, at 6:00 pm, at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
“My future, I don’t know for now. I am the coach of Nigeria at this moment, but it depends on whether the NFF wants me to continue or not,” he said after the game with Morocco.
“The tournament is not over yet. After the AFCON, I will meet with the NFF and we will decide the next step.”
