The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as the new coach of the Nigeria U23 team.
The decision was reached during a high-level meeting on Tuesday at the National Sports Commission headquarters, attended by key stakeholders including NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and Chairman of the National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko.
This development makes Chelle the first coach in Nigerian football history to simultaneously handle both the senior national team and the U23 side. As part of the agreement, the Frenchman has signed a contract extension that will keep him as Super Eagles coach until 2030. His monthly salary has been doubled to $100,000, with the federation also taking responsibility for the salaries of his technical assistants.
Chelle was first appointed Super Eagles coach in January 2025 and has since led the team to an impressive AFCON bronze medal. He will now combine his role with preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, scheduled for July 14 to 30, 2028.
Nigeria is known for a rich Olympic football legacy, the first African nation to complete a full set of Olympic medals in men’s football, having won gold in 1996, silver in 2008, and bronze in 2016. Chelle’s dual appointment is expected to enhance synergy between the senior and youth teams while fast-tracking the integration of emerging talents.
Football fans and stakeholders have largely welcomed the decision, describing it as a smart move for continuity, stability, and youth development. Many believe the arrangement will help the Dream Team VI build on Nigeria’s strong Olympic pedigree and deliver strong performances in 2028.
This strategic decision by the NFF reflects a long-term vision aimed at maximising available resources and ensuring consistent progress across different national teams. Eric Chelle now faces the challenging but exciting task of balancing both senior and U23 responsibilities. His success in this dual role could significantly shape the future of Nigerian football in the coming years.
