The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will continue in charge of Nigeria’s senior national team after agreeing new contract terms with the authorities.

Dikko disclosed this on Tuesday after a crucial meeting between officials of the NSC and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja, where major decisions on the future structure of Nigeria’s national teams were concluded.

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According to him, the agreement not only secures Chelle’s stay with the Super Eagles but also expands his responsibilities to include the Olympic Eagles (U-23 team) as Nigeria begins long-term preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Chelle’s previous two-year contract was set to expire at the end of 2026, but negotiations had been ongoing for months following improved performances by the senior team, including a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Reports earlier suggested that the Franco-Malian tactician had requested a revised salary package of about $130,000 monthly, a figure that was expected to also cover his assistants and technical crew.

Dikko, however, confirmed that a fresh agreement has now been reached, with improved remuneration and better support for the coaching staff.

“We have reached new terms with the coach about his new remuneration. We are also going to take care of his assistants, and there are other benchmarks that we have put on the table,” Dikko said after the meeting.

Beyond the senior national team, Chelle has now been handed responsibility for the Olympic Eagles, a move authorities say is aimed at creating continuity between youth development and the Super Eagles setup.

“With the NFF, we also agreed that the coach will take care of the U-23 national team because we have young players coming into the Super Eagles within that age bracket,” Dikko explained.

He added that the decision is not meant to overload the coach but to ensure a structured pathway for young talents transitioning into the senior team.

The expanded role comes with increased expectations, especially as Nigeria aims to rebuild its dominance in international football.

The Olympic Eagles have failed to qualify for the last two Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024), while the Super Eagles also endured a difficult spell before qualifying for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the new arrangement, the NSC and NFF are banking on stability, continuity, and long-term planning as Nigeria looks ahead to both World Cup and Olympic success.

Belgium have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup Group G clash against Iran after star winger Jeremy Doku was ruled out of the match due to illness.

The Belgian Football Association confirmed on Saturday that the Manchester City forward would not be available for selection when the Red Devils take on Iran at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

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“Due to illness, Jeremy Doku will not be part of the squad for our upcoming game against Iran,” Belgium announced in a statement on social media.

Doku featured in Belgium’s opening World Cup fixture against Egypt, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, the 24-year-old struggled to make a significant impact and was replaced by Matias Fernandez-Pardo late in the game.

His absence comes as Belgium seek their first victory of the tournament and attempt to strengthen their chances of progressing from Group G.

With the Red Devils under pressure to deliver after dropping points in their opener, Doku’s unavailability is expected to be a significant blow to coach Rudi Garcia’s plans.

The Manchester City star is regarded as one of Belgium’s brightest talents and a key figure in the country’s efforts to rebuild following the disappointing group-stage exit of their famed “golden generation” at the 2022 World Cup.

Adding to the uncertainty surrounding his tournament participation, Doku could also miss a potential knockout-stage fixture, as his wife is expected to give birth to their first child during the second week of July.

Belgium will now look to overcome Iran without one of their most dangerous attacking players as they aim to get their World Cup campaign back on track.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has reportedly agreed a deal to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF, in a stunning move that will see him team up with football legend Lionel Messi.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Manchester United at the end of his contract, bringing an end to his spell in the English Premier League.

According to transfer reports from football journalist Fabrizio Romano, all parties have reached a verbal agreement, with only final paperwork and official announcement remaining to complete the move.

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Casemiro, who previously enjoyed a highly successful career at Real Madrid, is expected to bring experience and stability to Inter Miami’s midfield as the club continues to build a star-studded squad around Messi.

Despite a challenging spell at Old Trafford, the Brazilian regained form toward the end of the season, helping Manchester United push for European qualification.

However, both player and club reportedly agreed not to extend his contract, paving the way for a fresh challenge in the United States.

Inter Miami are believed to have beaten interest from clubs in Europe and the Middle East to secure the midfielder’s signature, with the opportunity to play alongside Messi seen as a major factor in his decision.

If completed, the move will further strengthen Inter Miami’s ambitions in Major League Soccer, adding another high-profile name to their growing list of global stars.