Eric Chelle addresses uncertainty surrounding his Nigeria future

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has talked for the first time on growing uncertainty surrounding his future with Nigeria national team.

Recently there were reports on social media that Malian tactician was headed out of the Super Eagles. The reports further claimed he was among the coaches being touted to take over at French Ligue I outfit Olympique de Marseille.

However, the reports calmed down after Marseille hired the services of Habib Beye to replace the departed Roberto De Zerbi. A former Marseille captain and fan favorite (2003–2007), Beye returned to the club immediately after being sacked by Ligue 1 side Rennes.

‘I still have one year left on my contract’

“At the moment we’re speaking, of course I am still the coach of Nigeria,” Chelle said in an interview with histoiresdefootpodcas as quoted by Vanguard.

“I still have one year left on my contract. In fact, just yesterday I was in a meeting by video with my technical staff to work on the squad list for the March matches. So yes, I am still the coach of Nigeria.”

On whether Marseille were trailing for his services, he said: “I have had absolutely no contact with the Olympique de Marseille management.”

Chelle continued: “Today, if I’m being honest, I don’t really know. The first question I ask myself is how this document could have ended up in the media. That’s the question I’m asking myself.”

He was in charge of Nigeria as they lifted bronze medal during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Nigeria came up against Egypt winning the third-place play off on penalties.