I’m still In Charge Of Super Eagles  — Coach Chelle

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has shut down rumours connecting him to French club Olympique de Marseille, affirming his dedication to the Nigerian national team.

Chelle addressed the rumours in an interview with histoiresdefootpodcast amid uncertainty over his contract negotiations with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

He said: “At the moment we’re speaking, of course I am still the coach of Nigeria.

“I still have one year left on my contract. 

“In fact, just yesterday I was in a meeting by video with my technical staff to work on the squad list for the March matches. 

“So yes, I am still the coach of Nigeria.”

Renewal talks reportedly began after the National Sports Commission directed the NFF to open discussions on extending his stay.

However, negotiations slowed after details of Chelle’s contract proposal were leaked to the media, including reports that he requested a monthly salary of €130,000.

Chelle confirmed the circulated document was authentic but questioned how it reached the press.

He said: “Today, if I’m being honest, I don’t really know. 

“The first question I ask myself is how this document could have ended up in the media. 

“That’s the question I’m asking myself.”

He clarified that the salary figure was requested in dollars, not euros, and added that the amount would cover his technical crew.

Chelle also denied any contact with Marseille following Roberto De Zerbi’s departure.

He stated: “I have had absolutely no contact with the Olympique de Marseille management.”

Since his appointment, Chelle has guided Nigeria to victory in the Unity Cup in London and a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt in the bronze medal match, scoring 14 goals in the tournament and losing only once — a semi-final penalty shoot-out to hosts Morocco.