Olopade Speaks Out: Chelle Isn’t Leaving, Super Eagles Players Have Full Backing

According to Ireporter Online, the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has dismissed speculation linking Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle with a move abroad, insisting that the Malian tactician has no plans to leave Nigeria despite reported interest from Tunisia, Gabon, and Angola.

Chelle has gained significant recognition following Nigeria’s bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. With less than a year remaining on his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), rumours of offers from other African nations have intensified.

Olopade emphasized that Chelle’s success is rooted in the quality of players and resources available in Nigeria. “Eric Chelle is not going anywhere. The countries claiming interest in him don’t have the kind of superstars that make his job easier,” Olopade stated. “We must not forget that Eric thrived because he had the right equipment and personnel to execute his ideas.”

The NSC chief also revealed that discussions are underway to ensure continuity and stability within 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,” Olopade said. “That same night, I called the NFF president, and hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday, we’ll all sit down together.”

In addition, Olopade responded to recent comments from former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh, who criticised Victor Osimhen’s conduct during Nigeria’s AFCON semi-final defeat to Morocco and described the team’s celebrations after the third-place finish as “mediocrity.” Olopade disagreed with Oliseh, asserting that the players deserve respect and should serve as mentors for the younger generation rather than be disparaged. “Our superstars of yesterday deserve respect, but they must also take their place as mentors to the younger generation, not denigrate them,” he said.