Former member of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, Austel Elumelu, has welcomed the reported contract extension of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, describing it as a clear vote of confidence in the Franco-Malian’s leadership.
Elumelu believes Chelle has already begun laying the foundation for a stronger national team and deserves the opportunity to continue his work.
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“Extending Eric Chelle’s contract is a welcome development,” Elumelu said.
The former NFF Technical Committee member praised the coach for identifying new talents and gradually reshaping the Super Eagles since taking charge.
According to him, Chelle has started steering the national team in the right direction through his willingness to discover and integrate fresh players.
“He has found new players and has started taking the team in the right direction,” he added.
Elumelu also backed the proposal for Chelle to oversee Nigeria’s U-23 team alongside the Super Eagles, insisting the arrangement would benefit the country’s long-term football development.
He believes managing both teams would create a seamless pathway for emerging players to transition into the senior national team.
“It will guarantee a smooth transition for newly discovered players into the Super Eagles,” he stated.
Elumelu maintained that continuity on the bench remains essential as Nigeria begins preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that Chelle can build a competitive squad capable of returning the Super Eagles to the top of African football.
