One of the most revealing moments of Eric Chelle post-match press conference came when the Nigeria head coach was asked about his future following the Super Eagles’ semi-final exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking honestly, Chelle admitted that his position remains uncertain and dependent on decisions beyond his control.
“Now, I don’t know my future,” Chelle said.
“I know something. I’m the coach of Nigeria. And maybe a few days my president would tell me, it’s finished for you or maybe you have to continue.”
Despite the speculation surrounding his role, Chelle waved, stating that his immediate focus remains on the team and the remainder of the tournament, rather than his personal situation.
“Now I try to analyze this game, this AFCON. We have a last game against Egypt.”
“I’m proud of my players, but I’m disappointed for them because the reality we were maybe the most, the best team, maybe that in this AFCON.”
“So we have to go out. We spread. So now this is the question of my situation? No.”
“The AFCON is not finished. We have to stay focused on the game and we have to win this game.”
Eric Chelle Reveal Talks With NFF
When pressed further on whether he would like to continue as Super Eagles head coach, Chelle reaffirmed his deep connection to the national team.
He however, shared the final decision lies with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“Like I said during the press conference, I said I’m a fan of the Super Eagles team, the national team during many years. So this job is very important to me,” he said.
“But, you know, I’m not the boss. I just try to do my job. And today, the tournament is not finished, the AFCON is not finished and we have a last game and after.”
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Chelle revealed that discussions with the NFF are expected once Nigeria conclude their AFCON campaign.
“Normally, I will have some meeting with the NFF and we will decide something. But me now, actually, like I said, I’m the coach of Nigeria.”
“And if nobody tell me you have to stop, I’m here.”
“So after the AFCON, I will talk for sure with a lot of people and we will take a decision together. But now, actually, the AFCON is not finished.”
Regardless of all this, Eric Chelle is committed to the Super Eagles, even as uncertainty surrounds his future, with all attention now firmly on Nigeria’s third-place playoff against Egypt.
