Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has emphasized that the responsibility for determining the future of Super Eagles’ head coach, Eric Chelle, lies solely with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), amid growing dissatisfaction with the team’s faltering 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
During an interview on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ this Monday, Dikko clarified that the NSC’s involvement is primarily supportive, while the NFF retains full authority to assess and decide on Chelle’s tenure.
“The decision regarding Eric Chelle rests with the Nigeria Football Federation. Once they complete their evaluation, they will present their recommendations to us, and we will then either approve, reject, or engage further based on that,” Dikko stated.
Despite Nigeria’s challenging position in the qualifiers, Dikko highlighted that Chelle has brought a degree of stability to the squad since taking charge in January 2025.
“Regarding the World Cup, our current standing is clear. When we assumed responsibility, the team had only secured three points from 12 matches. However, under Eric Chelle’s guidance and with the NFF’s efforts, we have managed to accumulate eight points from the last four games. Had these results come earlier, we might have been in a stronger position to prepare for qualification,” he remarked.
According to LEADERSHIP, Nigeria is presently third in Group C with 11 points, trailing leaders South Africa by six points and Benin by three, with just two fixtures remaining. The Super Eagles’ hopes took a hit following a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein on September 9, where an own goal by captain William Troost-Ekong and a late equalizer from Calvin Bassey prevented a crucial victory.
Dikko conceded that Nigeria’s destiny is no longer fully under its control but encouraged maintaining a positive outlook.
“Mathematically, qualification is beyond our hands now. We must win our remaining two matches and hope for favorable outcomes elsewhere. Football is unpredictable; for us to advance, another team must lose. We remain optimistic because anything can happen,” he affirmed.
He also underscored the NSC’s dedication to supporting the national team, noting, “The commission has fulfilled its obligations by arranging chartered flights, covering accommodation costs, and ensuring bonuses were paid for the last match.”
Meanwhile, frustration within Nigerian football circles is intensifying. Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has called for a complete overhaul of the NFF leadership should the team fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“If Nigeria misses out on the World Cup, the entire NFF board must resign. This outcome is unacceptable,” Mikel asserted on his Obi One Podcast.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Lesotho on October 8, followed by their final qualifier against Benin Republic on October 11.
