Nigeria Football Federation renews Chelle deal, adds U-23 role

The Nigeria Football Federation has agreed to a new contract with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and has appointed him to also lead the national Under-23 team, officials announced on Tuesday. The decisions were finalized during a high-level meeting in Abuja between the National Sports Commission and the NFF, aimed at charting a long-term course for the country's football programs following Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko confirmed that the NFF had concluded talks with Chelle on improved contract terms, which include an increased salary and the federation now covering the wages of his assistant coaches. Dikko said performance benchmarks were also part of the new agreement. The length of the new deal and specific financial figures were not disclosed.

A central element of the new strategy is Chelle's expanded role. The Franco-Malian coach will now oversee the Under-23 team, known as the Dream Team, as it prepares for qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Officials said the move is designed to create a unified technical philosophy and a seamless pathway for young talents transitioning to the senior national team....