Super Eagles winger says Eric Chelle deserves a long-term contract, praising the coach’s leadership as extension talks gather pace

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has thrown his support behind reports that Eric Chelle is set to receive a new long-term contract as Nigeria coach, describing the Franco-Malian tactician as a father figure whose leadership has united the national team and restored belief within the squad.

Also read: Victor Osimhen Backs Galatasaray Move for Super Eagles Defender Fernandez

The endorsement comes as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) are reportedly putting the finishing touches to an agreement that would extend Chelle’s stay beyond his current two-year contract, which expires at the end of the year.

Under the proposed Eric Chelle New Deal, the 47-year-old coach is expected to earn $100,000 per month while also assuming responsibility for the Olympic Eagles as part of a broader restructuring of Nigeria’s national team coaching setup.

The reported agreement would keep Chelle in charge until 2030, with ambitious targets that include winning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to Urban Dwell Sport, Simon said Chelle had quickly won the confidence of the players through his leadership, commitment and willingness to stand by the squad in difficult moments.

“Of course, Eric Chelle is a good person. He’s a good man. He deserves it for many years. We haven’t had a coach that hasn’t lost a game like this. We lost just one game against Portugal. He has done very well. He brings all the teams together,” Simon said.

“He’s like a father to everybody and you can see in his interviews he loves war when playing. So, he loves his players to go all in. He’s ready to fight for his players.

That’s why the boys are ready to do everything for the nation, for the coach and for themselves. So I’m happy he is staying.”

Since taking charge, Chelle has overseen an encouraging revival of the Super Eagles, guiding the three-time African champions through an unbeaten run in competitive fixtures while rebuilding confidence after a challenging period for the national team.

Beyond the results, the coach has been credited with creating a stronger sense of unity and discipline within the squad. Several senior players have publicly praised his communication style and tactical approach, highlighting a renewed team spirit as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Chelle was appointed on an initial two-year contract following Nigeria’s search for a permanent coach, with the NFF tasking him with restoring consistency and returning the Super Eagles to the summit of African football.

Reports of a longer-term agreement suggest football authorities are satisfied with the direction of the team and are prepared to provide greater stability ahead of major international competitions.

If finalised, the extension would represent one of the longest coaching commitments made by the NFF in recent years, reflecting confidence in Chelle’s ability to oversee both the senior national team and the Olympic Eagles as part of a unified technical strategy.

Also read: Troost-Ekong Opens Up on Missing Super Eagles After Retirement

For Simon, the reported extension is a natural reward for a coach who has inspired his players to embrace a shared purpose. With the Super Eagles targeting continental success and a return to the FIFA World Cup, the winger believes Chelle has laid the solid foundations needed for sustained progress.