NSC DG Olopade Dismisses Speculation Over Chelle’s Future Amid Foreign Interest

NSC DG Olopade Dismisses Speculation Over Chelle’s Future Amid Foreign Interest

By Admin 

Director General of National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has dismissed reports suggesting that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle could leave his position following interest from Tunisia, Gabon and Angola, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Chelle has attracted attention from several African nations after leading Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Malian tactician has less than one year remaining on his current contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), fuelling speculation over his future.

However, Olopade has firmly ruled out the possibility of Chelle’s departure, insisting that the coach’s success with Nigeria has been driven largely by the quality of players at his disposal.

“Eric Chelle is not going anywhere,” Olopade said.

“The countries claiming interest in him do not have the kind of superstars that make his job easier. We must not forget that Eric thrived because he had the right equipment and instruments, the quality personnel he used to execute his ideas.”

Olopade also revealed that discussions are ongoing between key stakeholders to secure stability around the national team setup.

“I had dinner with him two days ago at my house in Abuja. I’m not the NFF president, but we operate with a collaborative approach, and Eric Chelle has become both a brother and a friend,” he added.

“That same night, I called the NFF president, and hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday, we’ll all sit down together.” Olopade told Footy Naija