Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup campaign has entered a critical phase as reports claim the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is considering a coaching change if current manager Eric Chelle fails to qualify.
The speculation alleged that NFF officials have privately briefed technical director Austin Eguavoen to serve as interim head coach for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should Chelle falter. The report also named former U20 coach Ladan Bosso as a potential assistant.
Nigeria currently sits third in CAF Group C with 11 points from eight matches, trailing Benin and South Africa, each on 14. Two 1–1 draws against South Africa and Zimbabwe have eroded their qualification edge, leaving no path through best-runner-up status.
Conflicting claims and denials
Within 48 hours, the story gained traction across multiple outlets. Social media sentiment quickly turned volatile, with threats against NFF executives and calls for Chelle’s dismissal trending on X.
However, on Thursday, October 9, the NFF issued an official rebuttal through a press release quoting Eguavoen. He stated he had “no interest” in replacing Chelle and urged unity ahead of Nigeria’s crucial qualifier against Lesotho on October 10 in South Africa.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) buttressed the federation’s stance, urging all fans to “focus on results over speculation.” Both bodies labelled the circulating reports “premature distractions” that could derail preparation for decisive fixtures.
Despite this, the rumours show a recurring theme in Nigerian football — internal leaks preceding official clarification. A similar pattern emerged during Chelle’s January 2025 appointment, which followed Eguavoen’s brief interim stint that secured AFCON qualification earlier that year.
The October fixtures will likely determine Chelle’s fate. Victories could steady the Super Eagles’ campaign; failure may accelerate leadership changes before AFCON.
For now, the NFF insists Chelle will lead Nigeria into the October qualifiers. But in a nation where football is both sport and identity, one poor result could redraw the entire story.
