Chelle apologises for AFCON, World Cup failures

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has once again offered an apology to Nigerians for the national team's inability to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chelle, who has been in charge since January 2025, is currently in the final six months of his contract, and his future with the team remains uncertain as negotiations for an extension with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are ongoing.

Chelle took over Nigeria's World Cup qualifying campaign in March 2025, revitalizing the team's performance with four wins and two draws, which led them to the African play-offs. However, they were ultimately defeated by DR Congo on penalties. Despite the contract standoff, Chelle is focused on rebuilding the squad, a process he reflected on after guiding the team to the Unity Cup title in London last Saturday.

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I try to do my job and I want to say thank you for all the support. If I have some time, I will give everything for this national team. Every day I try to improve like a man and like a coach too.

"I try to do my job and I want to say thank you for all the support. If I have some time, I will give everything for this national team. Every day I try to improve like a man and like a coach too," Chelle said following Nigeria's 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final. He reiterated his regret, stating, "I want to say sorry again because we didn’t go to the World Cup and that we didn’t win the AFCON."

The 48-year-old Franco-Malian coach is currently with the team in Warsaw for an international friendly against Poland on Wednesday, followed by a match against Portugal. Chelle recently confirmed that discussions regarding his contract are progressing, but his primary focus remains on his coaching duties and upcoming fixtures. Reports suggest Chelle is seeking a monthly salary of $130,000, while the NFF has reportedly offered $100,000 per month.

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I want to say sorry again because we didn’t go to the World Cup and that we didn’t win the AFCON.