The Super Eagles' impressive performance at the AFCON 2025 has left fans and former players divided over the future of coach Eric Chelle. The team's seven-match campaign in Morocco saw them score 14 goals, a Nigerian record, but ultimately fall short of the World Cup ticket that has been the primary objective of Chelle's tenure.
The debate over Chelle's future has been reignited by a leaked proposal he submitted to the Nigeria Football Federation in January 2026, seeking a significant salary increase from $50,000 to $130,000 per month. This has sparked a heated discussion among former Super Eagles stars, with some arguing that Chelle has built a strong team and should be protected, while others believe that his failure to secure World Cup qualification makes him unsuitable for the role.
Current players have come out in support of Chelle, citing his ability to produce attractive football and build a strong team. However, several former internationals have expressed their disappointment with Chelle's inability to deliver the World Cup ticket, despite his impressive record in other areas.
The disagreement is not just about Chelle's performance but also about what Nigerian football values and considers success. The debate is set to continue, with the future of the Super Eagles coach hanging in the balance.
The Super Eagles' impressive performance at AFCON 2025 has shown that Eric Chelle is capable of producing results, but his failure to deliver the World Cup ticket is a major concern. NaijaBuzz believes that Chelle's future should be decided based on his ability to achieve the primary objective of his contract. If he cannot deliver the World Cup ticket, it may be time for the Nigeria Football Federation to consider a change in leadership. The debate over Chelle's future is a reflection of the bigger issues in Nigerian football, including what values the federation places on success and stability.
