Algerian football giants JS Kabylie have reportedly made Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle their top priority to become the club’s next permanent manager, following the dismissal of Josef Zinnbauer earlier this year.
Chelle has become one of the most highly regarded coaches in African football after leading the Super Eagles to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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Zinnbauer took charge of the 14-time Algerian champions in January 2025 and guided them to a second-place league finish, securing qualification for the CAF Champions League, before he was dismissed in March after a disappointing run of results.
The Algerian side were initially linked with Tunisian coach Mouine Chaabani, but Chelle has emerged as the leading option in recent days as the club closely monitors his contract situation with Nigeria.
Club officials are reportedly impressed with the transformation Chelle brought to the Super Eagles and believe he could help restore JS Kabylie to the summit of Algerian football.
The 48-year-old also has previous coaching experience in Algeria, having managed MC Oran before taking charge of Nigeria.
Reports suggest discussions between both parties are progressing positively, with Kabylie hoping to finalise an agreement before the start of the new season in August.
Chelle, a former Mali national team coach, was appointed Nigeria’s head coach in January 2025, replacing Augustine Eguavoen.
Although he improved the team’s performances significantly, he was unable to lead Nigeria to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final.
Uncertainty still surrounds Chelle’s long-term future with Nigeria amid the absence of clarity regarding a possible contract extension.
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