# Chelle retained, scouting expands amid federation overhaul > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-super-eagles-aim-for-afcon-qualification-while-coach-eric-chelle-commits-to-team-rebuild > Updated: 2026-08-09T11:09:06.000Z. Sources: 77. Developments: 30. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has renewed Éric Chelle’s contract through 2030, doubling his monthly salary to $100,000 and tasking him with leading both the senior Super Eagles and the U-23 Olympic Eagles. This decision follows a period of intense pressure after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a penalty shoot-out. The failure has sparked calls for a total NFF overhaul, with critics citing administrative instability and economic losses from missing the tournament. Despite the setback, Chelle has maintained support from some former players and NFF officials, who view his dual role as part of a long-term strategy for the 2030 World Cup. He has also expanded a global scouting network to monitor over 500 eligible players. Meanwhile, the team has seen its FIFA ranking rise to 24th. Off the pitch, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has become a viral sensation, recently appearing at Paris Fashion Week and dining with American rapper Cardi B in Venice. These outings fueled widespread dating rumors, though neither has confirmed a relationship. In the midst of this media scrutiny, Okoye’s former partner, Jelicia Westhoff, has leveled serious allegations against him, including physical abuse, infidelity, and neglect of their son. Okoye has since addressed his fashion week appearance, stating it was a fascinating experience but emphasizing that his primary focus remains his professional career with Udinese and the Super Eagles. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-09: Maduka Okoye addresses Paris Fashion Week appearance with Cardi B Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has commented on his Paris Fashion Week appearance alongside Cardi B, describing the high-fashion experience as 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maduka-okoye-addresses-paris-fashion-week-appearance-with-cardi-b ### 2026-07-22: Cardi B and Nigerian Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye Dinnered in Venice Cardi B and Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye were spotted together at a dinner in Venice, igniting dating rumours that both have yet to confirm. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cardi-b-and-nigerian-goalkeeper-maduka-okoye-dinnered-in-venice ### 2026-07-20: Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye accused by ex‑girlfriend amid football scandals Maduka Okoye faces infidelity accusations, Rafael Leão draws backlash for a sexist Instagram comment, and an editorial critiques Argentina's football culture. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/udinese-goalkeeper-maduka-okoye-accused-by-exgirlfriend-amid-football-scandals ### 2026-07-20: Maduka Okoye Faces Abuse Allegations Amid Dating Rumors with Cardi B in Venice Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye dined with Cardi B in Venice, reigniting romance rumors, while his ex‑partner accused him of abuse, infidelity and neglect of their son. 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cardi-b-seen-with-nigerian-goalkeeper-maduka-okoye-at-venice-dinner ### 2026-07-19: Nigeria Super Eagles launch global scouting drive amid goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s rising fame Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has broadened scouting to over 500 global players after missing the 2026 World Cup, while goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s viral fame has boosted the team’s profile. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-super-eagles-launch-global-scouting-drive-amid-goalkeeper-maduka-okoyes-rising-fame ### 2026-07-13: Nigeria Football Federation faces overhaul calls after World Cup miss Nigeria's football authorities face criticism after poor domestic league performance and a second missed World Cup, with calls for a full NFF overhaul. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-football-federation-faces-overhaul-calls-after-world-cup-miss ### 2026-07-13: Nigeria secures Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle on new contract through 2030 Nigeria's Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has agreed to a new $100,000‑per‑month contract through 2030, expanding his role to the U‑23 team, with players like Moses Simon supporting his stay. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-secures-super-eagles-coach-eric-chelle-with-new-contract ### 2026-07-10: Eric Chelle Receives Strong Backing from Former Players and NFF Board Former player Paul Okoku and NFF board member Nse Essien both praised coach Eric Chelle, noting his tactical clarity and recent contract extension that also covers the Olympic Eagles. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eric-chelle-receives-strong-backing-from-former-players-and-nff-board ### 2026-07-09: Cardi B and Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye spotted together at Paris Fashion Week Cardi B and Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye were seen together at Paris Fashion Week, prompting romance rumors despite no confirmation. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cardi-b-and-nigerian-goalkeeper-maduka-okoye-appear-together-at-paris-fashion-week ### 2026-07-09: Maduka Okoye Shines at Paris Fashion Week After Nigeria Misses 2026 World Cup Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye missed the 2026 World Cup as Nigeria failed to qualify, but gained attention at Paris Fashion Week, walking the Jean‑Paul Gaultier show and sitting with Cardi B. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maduka-okoye-shines-at-paris-fashion-week-after-nigeria-misses-2026-world-cup ### 2026-07-07: Nigeria's Football Federation Under Pressure After World Cup Miss Nigeria missed the 2026 World Cup after a penalty loss to DR Congo, sparking calls from ex‑captain Troost‑Ekong for federation reforms, while the NFF remains in place despite economic losses from missed prize‑m 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-football-federation-under-pressure-after-world-cup-miss ### 2026-07-07: Nigeria football sector sees UeFC hiring drive and coaching debate UeFC launches a hiring drive for key roles in Nigeria while former star Duke Udi urges the NFF to assign a dedicated coach for the U‑23 national team amid Eric Chelle’s expanded duties. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-football-sector-sees-uefc-hiring-drive-and-coaching-debate ### 2026-07-07: Nigeria Super Eagles target 2030 World Cup after 2026 qualification miss Nigeria’s Super Eagles missed the 2026 World Cup, leading WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala and ex‑captain William Troost‑Ekong to call for a revival and aim for qualification in 2030. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-super-eagles-target-2030-world-cup-after-2026-qualification-miss ### 2026-07-04: Algeria approaches coach Eric Chelle despite Nigeria contract Algeria has re‑contacted Eric Chelle, Nigeria’s coach, about the national team job despite his existing contract and recent salary boost. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/algeria-approaches-coach-eric-chelle-despite-nigeria-contract ### 2026-06-28: Nigeria coach Eric Chelle cites Zimbabwe draw as key factor in 2026 World Cup miss Coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria missed the 2026 World Cup after dropping points in a home draw with Zimbabwe and a playoff loss to DR Congo. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-coach-eric-chelle-cites-zimbabwe-draw-as-key-factor-in-2026-world-cup-miss ### 2026-06-26: Nigeria Football Federation faces $100,000 monthly salary for coach Eric Chelle amid sustainability concerns Nigeria's Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle signed a contract extension to 2030 with a $100,000 monthly salary, prompting former players Garba Lawal and Finidi George to question the NFF's ability to sustain the p 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-football-federation-faces-100000-monthly-salary-for-coach-eric-chelle-amid-sustainability-co ### 2026-06-24: Nigeria's Super Eagles miss 2026 World Cup, officials demand fast rebuild Nigeria missed the 2026 World Cup, prompting minister Nyesom Wike and forward Olakunle Olusegun to call for urgent rebuilding and early preparation for 2030, with suggestions to focus on the U‑23 team for the 8 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-super-eagles-miss-2026-world-cup-amid-goalkeeper-contract-controversy ### 2026-06-24: Eric Chelle appointed to lead both Super Eagles and Nigeria U‑23 team Nigeria's football federation appointed Eric Chelle as head coach of both the Super Eagles and the U‑23 Olympic team, a move praised by Sports Commission chief Shehu Dikko as part of a 2030 World Cup strategy, 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eric-chelle-appointed-to-lead-both-super-eagles-and-nigeria-u23-team ### 2026-06-23: Nigeria's Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle signs new contract Eric Chelle secured a new contract as Nigeria's Super Eagles coach, with a salary increase to $100,000 and the NFF covering assistants' pay, after former coach James Peters praised the move. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-super-eagles-coach-eric-chelle-signs-new-contract ### 2026-06-21: Nigeria Super Eagles miss 2026 World Cup, climb to 24th in FIFA rankings Nigeria’s Super Eagles missed the 2026 World Cup but rose to 24th in FIFA rankings; former players lament the loss and look ahead to the 2027 AFCON. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-super-eagles-rise-to-24th-in-fifa-rankings ### 2026-06-19: Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye becomes viral sensation during 2026 World Cup despite team’s elimination Nigeria’s goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, Udinese player, went viral on TikTok during the 2026 World Cup despite Nigeria missing the tournament after a penalty loss to DR Congo. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-goalkeeper-maduka-okoye-becomes-viral-sensation-during-2026-world-cup-despite-teams-elimina ### 2026-06-16: Nigeria’s Former Super Eagles Players Decry Missed World Cup Spot Ex‑players Taiwo Oloyede and William Troost‑Ekong criticize Nigeria’s missed 2026 World Cup qualification, urging lessons learned and expressing nostalgia for the Super Eagles. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-former-super-eagles-players-decry-missed-world-cup-spot ### 2026-06-12: Nigeria's Super Eagles keep African ranking despite missing 2026 World Cup Nigeria's Super Eagles stay third in Africa and 26th worldwide after FIFA ranking, despite missing the 2026 World Cup; a long‑term plan targets a competitive bid for the 2030 tournament. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-super-eagles-keep-african-ranking-despite-missing-2026-world-cup ### 2026-06-11: Nigeria fails to qualify for 2026 World Cup, leaving striker Victor Osimhen out Nigeria missed the 2026 World Cup after a playoff loss to DR Congo, leaving striker Victor Osimhen out; Rafa Benítez called his absence a major omission. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-fails-to-qualify-for-2026-world-cup-leaving-striker-victor-osimhen-out ### 2026-06-11: Nigeria Super Eagles hold 26th place in latest FIFA world rankings Nigeria's Super Eagles stayed at 26th in FIFA rankings, remaining third in Africa after recent friendlies and a Unity Cup win. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-super-eagles-hold-26th-place-in-latest-fifa-world-rankings ### 2026-06-10: Nigeria's Super Eagles miss 2026 World Cup, sparking widespread disappointment John Terry called Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup a “big miss”. The Super Eagles missed qualification for a second straight tournament, prompting player and fan disappointment and financial concerns, 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-super-eagles-miss-2026-world-cup-fans-express-disappointment ### 2026-06-09: Nigeria's Super Eagles miss 2026 World Cup, diaspora players feature elsewhere Nigeria missed 2026 World Cup qualification due to player commitment issues, while many Nigerian‑heritage stars will play for other nations at the tournament. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-super-eagles-miss-2026-world-cup-diaspora-players-feature-elsewhere ### 2026-06-08: Nigeria Super Eagles show growth under coach Eric Chelle despite World Cup miss Nigeria’s Super Eagles improve under coach Eric Chelle with new talent and deeper squad, but still mourn a missed 2026 World Cup qualification. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-super-eagles-show-growth-under-coach-eric-chelle-despite-world-cup-miss ### 2026-05-15: Nigeria coach Eric Chelle vows to rebuild Super Eagles amid pressure Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle reaffirms his commitment to rebuilding the Super Eagles, dismissing rumours and focusing on winning. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-coach-eric-chelle-vows-to-rebuild-super-eagles-amid-pressure ### 2026-05-04: Nigeria Super Eagles pursue AFCON qualification as Alex Iwobi praised for consistency Super Eagles aim to beat Benin for AFCON qualification, while Alex Iwobi is lauded for his consistent national‑team contributions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-super-eagles-pursue-afcon-qualification-as-alex-iwobi-praised-for-consistency --- Cite as: Chelle retained, scouting expands amid federation overhaul. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-super-eagles-aim-for-afcon-qualification-while-coach-eric-chelle-commits-to-team-rebuild