Angola and Gabon have emerged as the leading contenders in the race to secure the services of Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle, amid growing interest in the Franco-Malian tactician following his impressive outing with Nigeria, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
Chelle, who is currently under contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until January 2027, has seen his stock rise sharply after guiding the Super Eagles to a strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His work with the national team has not gone unnoticed across the continent, with several football associations monitoring his situation closely.
Reports indicate that Chelle has already rejected an approach from Tunisia, choosing instead to remain focused on his role with Nigeria for now. However, sources close to the situation reveal that both Angola and Gabon are intensifying efforts to lure the highly rated coach, with the two nations prepared to present attractive offers as they seek to strengthen their national teams ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Despite the external interest, Chelle is expected to hold talks with officials of the NFF in the coming days. The meeting is understood to be aimed at reaffirming mutual commitment, clarifying long-term plans, and possibly reviewing contractual terms in light of the rising demand for his services.
The outcome of those discussions could prove crucial in determining whether Nigeria can secure Chelle’s future on a long-term basis or face a potential battle to retain one of Africa’s most sought-after coaches.