Eric Chelle Fires Back at Sack Rumours, Sends Strong Message to NFF Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
- Eric Chelle confirms he has heard rumours of the Nigeria Football Federation planning to sack him
- NFF President Gusau gave a cautious response on Chelle’s future amid poor results from the 2025 CHAN
- Chelle has vowed to fight on, insisting Nigeria can still qualify for the World Cup despite setbacks
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Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has responded strongly to rumours suggesting that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is considering replacing him before the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Malian-born manager, who took charge of the team on a two-year contract, admitted he has heard stories about plans to sack him but insists he remains committed to the challenge of leading Nigeria to the World Cup.
Source: Getty Images
Nigerians call for Chelle’s sack
Following Nigeria’s poor showing at the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), fans have asked the NFF to part ways with Chelle, who was placed in charge of the home-based Super Eagles.
The CHAN Eagles suffered two defeats in three games, but the embarrassing 4-0 loss to Sudan sparked calls for the Malian to get sacked.
One fan also tweeted:
Chelle reacts to sack rumours
Speaking in an interview with Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Chelle acknowledged the rumours, OwnGoal Nigeria reports.
“I have heard a lot of stories, about them wanting to sack me and replace me with someone else. I know, quite well, that I can be fired after one match. This is life in football,” Chelle said.
However, he made it clear that the NFF would have to respect the terms of his contract if they decide to let him go.
Chelle also revealed that he did not come to Nigeria for financial gain, explaining that his previous job paid more. Instead, he took on the challenge because of the prestige of coaching one of Africa’s biggest teams.
NFF silent on Chelle’s sack rumours
The sack rumours gained traction after NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau gave a cautious response when asked about Chelle’s future.
Source: Getty Images
Gusau had recently stated that Chelle inherited the team in a difficult situation but stopped short of assuring him of long-term support.
“We cannot assess him with only one issue… If he continues in the way that he is doing, and he gets the results that he is supposed to get, going forward, qualification is one thing, and his performance is another thing. We will look at what he has brought to the team and take it from there,” Gusau explained.
With Nigeria currently sitting fourth in their group, six points behind leaders South Africa, the uncertainty over Chelle’s position has cast a shadow over preparations for the next round of qualifiers in September.
Chelle focused on World Cup qualification
Despite the mounting pressure, Chelle insists he remains fully focused on steering Nigeria back on track.
The Super Eagles coach recorded his first win in charge with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, but later dropped points in a 1-1 home draw against Zimbabwe.
Nigeria are fourth in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa, who have 13 points, and Rwanda with eight points, per FIFA.com.
Chelle admitted that his relationship with the NFF leadership has not been smooth, revealing limited contact with the federation since taking charge.
Still, he believes the players are motivated enough to fight for qualification with games against South Africa and Rwanda up next for the Super Eagles.
Chelle release 31-man squad for qualifiers
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a provisional squad of 31 players for Nigeria’s must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
The provisional list includes team captain William Troost-Ekong, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, and midfield mainstays Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi.
Source: Legit.ng
