Why Eric Chelle will remain as Super Eagles coach – NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed speculation surrounding the future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, insisting the Franco-Malian tactician remains committed to the national team and is not planning to leave.

Amid reports linking Chelle with interest from other national teams, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stressed that the coach is still under contract and central to Nigeria’s football plans.

Chelle, who guided the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, has reportedly attracted attention from countries such as Tunisia and Angola.

“We still have a one-year contract with Eric, and therefore whatever interest anybody will show on him, he has to wait until his contract expires,” Mr Gusau said in an interview shared by the Super Eagles’ media team.

The NFF president added that the federation is keen to avoid distractions and protect the progress made under Chelle’s leadership.

“And basically, you know, we don’t want to bring some distraction on him, because we quite well understand that he enjoys working with Nigeria.”

Gusau dismissed suggestions that Chelle’s future should be influenced by financial incentives or short-term success elsewhere.

“Because it’s not about a team is interested in you, and it’s not about because he has gotten the results with the Super Eagles. So if you go to the other team, despite the fact that they are going to give him

more money, he’s going to get the results. That’s not the issue.”

He explained that the key factor for any coach is having the right environment to succeed.

“The issue is that do they have the materials for him to work with, to achieve what he wants to achieve. The dream of every single coach is to make sure that he achieves success, especially on higher tournaments.”

Gusau further stressed that career fulfilment, rather than money, should guide such decisions.

“So when you are saying that I want the coach, we are going to look for the coach to come and we are going to pay him a certain amount of money, it’s not the issue of the money, but will he achieve what he wants to achieve in his career? Or is he just going there for the money?”

According to Gusau, Chelle remains deeply committed to the Super Eagles project.

“So, but the key thing is that I know Coach Eric believes in Super Eagles, and he believes that he can achieve whatever he wants to achieve in his career, when it comes to coaching, preparation, especially with the national team within the African continent.”

He also revealed that the federation has discussed Chelle’s future with him several times.

“So he has so much belief in the Super Eagles, and he has every confidence that he can achieve all his dreams with the Super Eagles. So that’s the key thing that I believe in, and I know we discussed it several times with Tim. And to all of you.”

Vanguard News

The post Why Eric Chelle will remain as Super Eagles coach – NFF appeared first on Vanguard News.