The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has dismissed reports that Super Eagles Manager, Eric Chelle, will leave his job after the 2026 World Cup African playoff billed for next month in Morocco, soccernet.ng reports.
The NFF chief insists the Franco-Malian tactician remains central to Nigeria’s long-term project beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs.
The Super Eagles sealed a place in the CAF play-off round after finishing as one of the best runners-up in the qualifiers, and will face Gabon in November for a spot in the inter-continental play-offs.
As pressure mounts ahead of the decisive fixtures, Gusau moved to clarify Chelle’s mandate and address early doubts surrounding his appointment.
“He has a two-year contract with us, so nobody should think he is only here to assist for the World Cup. His deal covers the World Cup qualifying matches as well as the AFCON.
“We have crossed the first hurdle, and now we move into the play-offs in November. After that, we go for the Nations Cup and see how things progress.
“A lot of Nigerians doubted why we appointed him, but thank God he has shown his capability to manage the national team.
“Our responsibility now is to give him all the support he needs to perform his duties and deliver the results the country expects.”
Chelle steadied Nigeria’s campaign with a strong finish in the qualifying group, including key victories that lifted the team into the play-offs.
The NFF has repeatedly stressed continuity and stability as a priority as the Super Eagles chase a return to the World Cup after missing Qatar 2022.
Nigeria will open camp in early November before heading to Morocco for the showdown against Gabon, with a potential clash against either Cameroon or DR Congo awaiting in the final.
Gusau urged fans to stay united behind the team, adding that the federation is working closely with government authorities to provide the best possible support structure for Chelle and his squad.
