The National Sports Commission has renewed the contract of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and handed him additional responsibility for the Olympic Eagles.
The announcement followed a meeting between officials of the NSC and the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko disclosed the development after discussions on the future of Nigeria’s national teams.
Chelle’s initial two-year contract is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026.
Negotiations over an improved agreement had been ongoing for several months.
The talks gained momentum after Nigeria secured a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Reports had indicated that the Malian coach requested an improved salary package and better welfare arrangements for his assistants.
Providing an update, Dikko confirmed that both parties had successfully reached an agreement.
“We have reached new terms with the coach about his new remuneration,” Dikko said.
“We are also going to take care of his assistants, and there are other benchmarks that we have put on the table.”
“I’m sure the coach will be very excited about it,” he added.
Beyond managing the Super Eagles, Chelle will now oversee Nigeria’s Under-23 national team.
The appointment formed part of preparations for the men’s football event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
According to Dikko, the decision is aimed at creating a seamless transition between the youth and senior national teams.
He explained that several players within the U-23 age category are expected to progress into the Super Eagles.
“With the NFF, we also agreed that the coach will take care of the U-23 national team,” Dikko stated.
“We have young players coming into the Super Eagles within that age bracket.
“So, Eric Chelle and his team, plus other people who will support them, will handle the project.
“The objective is not to give the coach more work but to start building for the future, ” he said.
The expanded role places greater responsibility on the 47-year-old tactician.
He is expected to improve the fortunes of the Olympic Eagles in the coming years.
Nigeria’s U-23 side has failed to qualify for the last two editions of the Olympic Games.
The team missed both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 tournaments.
Similarly, the Super Eagles have also failed to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cup competitions.
Football authorities believe the new arrangement will help strengthen long-term planning and player development.
The move is also expected to ensure continuity across Nigeria’s national team structure.
