President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed full confidence in Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle, assuring that the Franco-Malian tactician remains a key part of Nigeria’s long-term football project.
Gusau made the clarification amid growing expectations ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off clash against Gabon in November. The Super Eagles reached the play-off stage after finishing among the best runners-up in the qualifiers.
Speaking on Chelle’s future, the NFF boss stressed that the coach’s appointment goes beyond the World Cup campaign.
“He has a two-year contract with us, so nobody should think he is only here for the World Cup. His deal covers both the World Cup qualifying matches and the Africa Cup of Nations,” Gusau explained.
He added that the federation is pleased with the progress under Chelle and is determined to support him to achieve success with the national team.
“We have crossed the first hurdle, and now we move into the play-offs in November. After that, we prepare for the Nations Cup and continue to build. Many people questioned his appointment, but he has shown his ability to handle the team.
“Our duty now is to give him every support he needs to perform and deliver the results Nigerians expect.”
Chelle, who took charge of the Super Eagles earlier this year, has guided the team through a challenging qualifying campaign and will aim to secure Nigeria’s return to the World Cup stage when they face Gabon next month.