Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is reportedly still stuck with Algerian club MC Oran who are yet to officially terminate his contract after agreeing to coach Nigeria.
Reports in Algeria, as reported by the Punch, say Eric Chelle still has a contract with MC Oran which was expected to keep him at the club for at least two years.
Although the club is still deliberating on his future, Chelle is expected to travel to Nigeria soon to formalize his new contract.
The Nigeria Football Federation announced Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles on Tuesday, making him the third individual to take on this role since the departure of Jose Peseiro in March 2024.
Reports indicate that the 47-year-old will remain in his position with MC Oran during their upcoming Algerian Cup round of 32 match against USM Setif on Saturday, underscoring his commitment to the club. He was seen leading the team in training as recently as Wednesday and traveled with the squad for the match on Thursday.
MC Oran shared on Facebook that, “The plane carrying MC Oran took off early this morning for the capital before a second flight directly to Setif. Coach Eric Chelle is with a 20-player roster.
“After a meeting held on Wednesday with Coach Eric Chelle, it was decided to postpone any decisions regarding his future until after the Republic Cup match against Setif to maintain the team’s stability and focus for this important game. Coach Chelle will supervise the team for this encounter as usual, and a final meeting will be scheduled after his return to Oran.”
Chelle’s potential transition to the Super Eagles could present challenges for MC Oran, currently sitting in 10th place, as they are also searching for a new technical director. Chelle joined the Algerian club in October 2024, succeeding Youssef Bouzidi.
Before his stint at MC Oran, Chelle successfully managed the Mali national team until June 2024, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where they narrowly lost to the hosts after holding the lead until stoppage time.
During his tenure with Mali, he achieved an impressive record of 14 wins, five draws, and three defeats in 22 matches, including a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in a friendly just a month before his appointment with the Super Eagles.
As Chelle takes on his new responsibilities, he faces a significant task ahead with the Super Eagles, who must navigate six crucial matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, beginning in March.
Additionally, he is set to lead the Super Eagles B team, comprised of home-based players, in the 2024 African Nations Championship scheduled for February 1 to 28 in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.