The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has debunked reports claiming that the federation is considering the future of head coach Eric Chelle.

The Malian tactician was appointed in January, bringing an end to the long hunt for the next Super Eagles head coach following the resignation of Finidi George in June 2024.

The 47-year-old faced an arduous task of qualifying the three-time African champions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a shambolic performance saw the team manage just three points from four games in the qualifiers.

Chelle began his tenure as Nigeria's head coach on an impressive note, beating Rwanda 2-0 away in Kigali to secure the Super Eagles' first win of the campaign.

However, a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo further dimmed Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the global showpiece.

With South Africa currently sitting atop Group C with 13 points, Eric Chelle and his side face a daunting prospect of leapfrogging Bafana Bafana, who are six points ahead of them.

Amid the uncertainties surrounding the Super Eagles' World Cup qualification, reports began circulating in the media on Tuesday, April 1, concerning the future of former Mali head coach Eric Chelle.

Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana posted on X, stating that Eric Chelle was considering terminating his contract due to uncertainties surrounding his future, should Nigeria fail to secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Breaking: #EricChelle is considering terminating his contract as @NGSuperEagles manager. Sources within @thenff say that uncertainty about his fate beyond the #FIFAWCQ series has led to a dramatic change of heart. The NFF will hold a crisis meeting to address the matter,” the post reads.

Breaking: #EricChelle is considering terminating his contract as @NGSuperEagles manager. Sources within @thenff say that uncertainty as to his fate, beyond the #FIFAWCQ series, has led to a dramatic change of heart. The NFF will hold a crisis meeting to address the matter. pic.twitter.com/m4jwUbzWSN

— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) April 1, 2025

However, the head of communications for the NFF, Ademola Olajire, dismissed the reports as a prank and an April Fool's joke from Obayiuwana.

Speaking to All Nigeria Soccer, Olajire said, "This is an April Fool's prank by Osasu Obayiuwana."

The Super Eagles will return to action in the World Cup qualifiers in September, when they host Rwanda in Uyo before traveling away to face South Africa in a crucial encounter.

WDN