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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted claims that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is considering resigning from his position.
Reports suggested that the alleged uncertainty surrounding Chelle's future prompted the NFF to hold an emergency meeting.
Chelle, who took over as the 37th head coach of the Super Eagles in January under a two-year contract with the possibility of extending for another year if he secures Nigeria's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has overseen two matches so far: a 2-0 win against Rwanda and a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.
Soccernet.ng, citing England-based journalist Osasu Obayuwana, suggested that Chelle is re-evaluating his role due to this uncertainty.
However, NFF Media Director Ademola Olajire dismissed these claims as mere fabrications, emphasizing that the federation is collaborating with Chelle to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the upcoming World Cup.
Expressing disbelief at the report, Olajire stated, "That story must be the biggest joke of the year. I don’t know where the writer got the story. He could be playing pranks on April Fool’s Day, but there is no truth in it."
Currently in Europe scouting for Nigerian talent and trying to convince dual-national players to join the Super Eagles, one player of interest is Arsenal's young talent, Ethan Nwaneri, who remains eligible to represent both Nigeria and England.
With the next World Cup qualifying matches coming up in September, Chelle is reportedly already planning to adjust his squad. Nigeria will first host Rwanda in Uyo before heading to South Africa to face Bafana Bafana, a match that could significantly impact their World Cup qualification prospects.
Chelle has expressed his determination to secure a win against South Africa in September as it is crucial for their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles currently trail South Africa by six points in Group C, with only four matches left in the qualification campaign.
Mounting pressure surrounds Chelle's team to obtain maximum points in their forthcoming matches, starting with Rwanda at home, before confronting South Africa away.
Despite being focused on the immediate challenge against Rwanda, Chelle understands the importance of the upcoming match against South Africa.
"It’s obligatory that we win in South Africa, but our main concern right now is defeating Rwanda in Uyo," Chelle stated. "South Africa is a formidable team, but we cannot allow them to dominate in that game. First, we must overcome Rwanda, then our attention will turn to South Africa."
The rivalry between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana is storied, with the last match ending in a 1-1 draw in Uyo in June 2024, thanks to a goal from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Nigeria also triumphed over South Africa in the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, winning on penalties after a closely contested match.
Chelle also has personal experience defeating South Africa, having led Mali to a 2-0 victory in the group stages of AFCON 2023.
He aims to recreate that success with the Super Eagles as they strive to maintain their World Cup ambitions. Despite the challenges Nigeria faces in the current qualification campaign, their history in this matchup is favorable, having won eight of their 16 previous confrontations, while South Africa has secured only two victories, with six matches ending in draws.
However, historical performance may not matter when the teams meet in September, particularly with South Africa holding the home advantage and Nigeria in desperate need of a positive result.
The upcoming match is expected to be pivotal for both teams regarding their World Cup dreams.
