Olopade plays down exit talk as NSC backs super eagles coach Chelle

Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has rejected speculation linking Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle with a potential move away from Nigeria amid reported interest from Tunisia, Gabon and Angola, Sport360NG reports.

Chelle’s stock has risen following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a run that prompted suggestions he could be tempted by offers elsewhere. With less than a year remaining on his current deal with the Nigeria Football Federation, uncertainty has grown around the Malian’s future.

Olopade, however, was unequivocal in his response, insisting there is no prospect of Chelle leaving his post.

“Eric Chelle is not going anywhere,” he said. “The countries being mentioned do not have the calibre of players that make his job easier. His success with Nigeria has been driven by the quality of the personnel available to him and how effectively he has been able to deploy them.”

The NSC chief also disclosed that steps are being taken behind the scenes to maintain stability within the national team setup, revealing recent personal engagement with the coach and ongoing dialogue with federation officials.

“I had dinner with him at my house in Abuja a couple of days ago,” Olopade added. “I may not be the NFF president, but we work collaboratively, and Eric has become both a brother and a friend. That same night, I reached out to the NFF president, and hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday we’ll all sit down together.”

The comments are expected to ease concerns over Chelle’s immediate future as Nigeria look to build on their recent continental progress.