Eric Chelle has made it clear he remains the coach of Nigeria's senior national team amid mounting speculation linking him with managerial vacancies across Africa and Europe, particularly in France.
Since the end of the 2025 Afcon, Chelle has been linked with coaching positions in Tunisia, Angola and Gabon, and offered himself through his new agents to French giants Marseille after Roberto de Zerbi left his role by mutual consent.
Chelle has dismissed suggestions that he is set to leave his post, insisting he remains in charge of the Super Eagles.
As further proof of his continued role, the Malian tactician revealed that he is already putting the finishing touches to his roster for the forthcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
"I am still the coach of Nigeria, I have one year left on my contract," Chelle said on the Histoires de Foot Podcast.
"Actually, just yesterday, I was in a face-to-face meeting with my technical staff to prepare the list for the games in March."
Allnigeriasoccer.com exclusively reported exactly a week ago that Chelle has demanded a monthly salary of $130,000.00 from the Nigeria Football Federation, a significant increase from his current $50,000.00, as one of the nineteen conditions for continuing as head coach of the Super Eagles.
When asked about the leak of the 19-point demand document and whether there were attempts to force him out of the Super Eagles job, Chelle stated that he is not directly accusing any party, including his former agency, but questioned how a confidential document made its way into the media.
"The question I am asking myself today is how that document found its way into the media. It is true that, as a man and as a coach, you cannot be universally liked.
"I am the coach of Nigeria, and I chose to give my career a new direction. As a coach, I make decisions regarding my starting XI. That does not mean the players on the bench lack quality, but at that particular moment, I selected the team I believed was best.
"I made that decision after careful analysis, convinced that it would help me reach another level in line with my ambition, my vision, and where I intend to go. Perhaps some individuals were affected by that choice. If anyone feels I disrespected or undervalued them in terms of quality, that was never the case.
"I also decided to move to another agency — one I identify with more closely and which I believe will help me take a few steps forward. I am not suggesting that they are responsible for the leak, but the question remains: how did such a document become public?
"When you examine the document closely, I simply asked for what I'm entitled to."
Currently in France at his parents' residence, Chelle is expected to return to Nigeria in the coming days, before the Super Eagles’ March international fixtures.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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