NFF President Confirms Decision on Eric Chelle’s Future After AFCON 2025

Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has addressed Eric Chelle’s future with the national team following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The NFF aimed to reach the finals and secure the championship under Chelle’s leadership; however, the Super Eagles fell short, losing in the semi-finals to Morocco and ultimately securing a bronze medal.

This victory marked Nigeria’s record-extending ninth bronze medal in the tournament, and they maintained an impressive record of never losing a playoff match for third place, as acknowledged by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Nigerians applauded Chelle for his team’s performance, and despite failing to achieve the objectives and not qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they want him to continue with the team.

NFF confirms Eric Chelle’s future NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has confirmed the decision on Eric Chelle’s future in a statement published on the federation’s official website after the bronze medal match.

Gusau confirmed that the team’s target was to win the trophy, but would accept a bronze medal because of the diligent display by the Super Eagles.

“Actually, when we landed in Morocco towards the end of last year, our objective was to win the AFCON trophy and be the champions of Africa,” he said.

“Today, we finished in third place and won the bronze medals instead. We missed our target, but my joy is in the way our team played. They have played with zest and patriotic fervour, and showed resilience and character.”

He confirmed that the captain is one to be proud of and has prompted the NFF to continue to encourage the team, and as such, will continue to work with Chelle.

“The NFF is proud of the team’s campaign and will continue to do its best to encourage, support and motivate the team as we go forward,” he added.

“As the head of a hard-working technical crew, Mr. Chelle has done exceedingly well within the one year he has been with us. He has shown enormous capacity, and we will continue to work with him.”

Chelle, during his post-match conference after the win over Egypt, admitted that it would have been difficult to continue if Nigeria had lost the bronze medal match.

However, his comments suggest that he is keen to continue working with the team if the NFF agrees to let him stay on as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

“We will build on this experience, and it will be the foundation for the next phase of work,” he said.