The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have approved an improved contract for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle following a strategic meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The decision was among several resolutions reached during discussions involving top officials of both bodies as they outlined plans aimed at advancing Nigerian football.
Speaking after the meeting, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko confirmed that Chelle’s contract had been reviewed, with improved financial terms agreed for the coach and his technical staff.
“We engaged with Eric Chelle and settled on new improved terms for the coach and his staff. We are going to increase his take-home and take up responsibility for his support staff,” Dikko said.
In addition to the revised contract, the meeting also agreed that Chelle and his coaching crew will take charge of Nigeria’s Under-23 national team.
According to Dikko, the move is part of a broader plan to create continuity across the national team structure and support the development of young players.
“We have also agreed that Eric and his staff will take charge of the U23 national team. This is because we are building a team for the future,” he stated.
Dikko explained that the initiative is aimed at strengthening preparations for upcoming major tournaments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2028 Olympic Games and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
“We want to put in place a team that will do well at the 2027 AFCON, the 2028 Olympics as well as the 2030 World Cup and future AFCONs, so the U23 should be the base foundation. Eric taking over the team would ensure seamless transitions,” he added.
The announcement follows a meeting attended by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, league representative Nasiru Saidu and former NFF General Secretary Musa Amadu.
Officials also met with Chelle before concluding discussions on key football development initiatives, including league reforms, television coverage for domestic football, preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and strategies to attract private-sector investment into the game.
Chelle, who was appointed Super Eagles head coach earlier this year, is expected to continue preparations for Nigeria’s upcoming international assignments while also overseeing the country’s Under-23 programme under the new arrangement.
