Algerians open up talks with Chelle as discussions between him and the NFF over a new contract stall

SUPER Eagles head coach Eric Chelle could be on his way to Algeria as local clubside JS Kabylie has made enquiries about his services in the hope of exploiting the stalemate between the tactician and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

Chelle has a contract with the NFF that expires next year but of late, attempts to get it renewed have stalled as the two sides have been unable to agree on a package. Chelle took charge of the national team in January 2025, replacing Augustine Eguavoen but since then, uncertainty has surrounded his long-term future with the Eagles given the lack of clarity over a possible contract extension.

Although Chelle was unable to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 World Cup, the Eagles have improved substantially under his watch. He led the team to a bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and as a result attracted a lot of international attention, with Algerian giants JS Kabylie becoming the latest side asking about his services.

Following the departure of manager Josef Zinnbauer, who guided the club to a second-place finish in the league, securing qualification for the Caf Champions League in the process, JS Kabylie now need another high profile manager. He was dismissed in March after a disappointing run of results that included failing to win any of their six group-stage matches in the Champions League.

Kabylie also struggled domestically despite expectations of challenging for the league title and have since appointed Rabah Bensafi as interim coach. They were initially interested in Tunisian coach Mouine Chaabani but Chelle has now emerged as the leading candidate in recent days, with the club monitoring his contract situation with Nigeria.

Chelle has experience of Algerian football, having previously managed MC Oran before taking over the Super Eagles job. Reports indicate that talks between both parties are progressing well, with Kabylie hoping to finalise an agreement before the start of the next season, which is expected to begin in August.

This is not the first time Eric Chelle has been linked with a move away from Nigeria, as earlier he was linked with the managerial position at Olympique Marseille following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi. However, Marseille eventually opted to appoint Senegalese coach and former Rennes manager Habib Beye instead.

Chelle has also been linked with several international managerial roles in recent months, including the Tunisian and Moroccan national teams. He is still expected to remain in charge of the Super Eagles for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign later this year but uncertainty remains over his future beyond that period, with no official talks over a contract extension.

Reports claim that Chelle requested around $130,000 for a possible extension but this proposal was rejected by the NFF. In the meantime, Chelle is preparing for the forthcoming Unity Cup tournament alongside Zimbabwe, India and Jamaica later this month before facing Poland and Portugal in high-profile international friendlies in June.