Former technical director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), James Peter has added his voice to the growing debate about the fate of Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle, and declared that the Franco-Malian gaffer deserves a longer contract.
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Sports247 reports that the experienced former under-23 national team coach, who is fondly called ‘JP’ by close associates, stressed that Chelle proved his quality with how his team played at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Peter emphasised that Chelle should get a new contract that will run up to the next FIFA World Cup in 2030, in order for him to perfect what he started at AFCON 2025.
He declared, “I was really impressed with the performance of our boys and of the coach. If we want to win anything in football, we should keep him against all odds.
“We should give him a contract for two or three more years, leading up to the next World Cup. We should keep him, because he did very well … more than the other coach they brought from Portugal.”
The veteran tactician, who also previously took charge of Nigeria’s female national team, Super Falcons, further advocated that Chelle should get a free hand for him to guide the Eagles in the way he feels is best for the squad.
Peter reiterated, “He did very, very well, and I am impressed. If given the same opportunity and free hand like other expatriate coaches, I think he will do better.
“He has proven himself. He showed that he knows how to select our players and put them in the various positions that are best for them. So, I sincerely think he deserves a longer contract.”
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