Chelle, who is contracted until January 2027, confirmed that his agent is currently in talks with the federation over adjustments to his agreement, including financial terms. The 48-year-old, however, emphasized that his priority remains on preparing the national team rather than being distracted by contractual matters.
The former Mali international has recently attracted attention following Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Eagles finished in third place. The performance reportedly sparked interest from several clubs and national teams, but Chelle has remained committed to his current role.
Speaking on the situation, he noted that while discussions are ongoing, he prefers to allow his representatives to handle negotiations so he can concentrate on coaching responsibilities and squad development.
Chelle is expected to lead Nigeria into the upcoming Unity Cup next month, where the Super Eagles will face Zimbabwe in the semi-final at The Valley on May 26. Nigeria won the previous edition of the invitational tournament, adding expectations for another strong outing.
Beyond the tournament, preparations are also underway for a series of international friendlies in June against Poland and Portugal, fixtures seen as important tests ahead of future competitive engagements.
The coach is also expected to intensify scouting efforts within the Nigeria Premier Football League in the coming weeks, as he looks to integrate domestic-based players into the national team setup.
For now, Chelle’s message remains consistent—while contract discussions continue off the pitch, his attention is firmly fixed on building and shaping a competitive Super Eagles squad.