Ex-Watford Coach Overtakes Eric Chelle In Race For Algeria Job
Eric Chelle's chances of becoming Algeria's next head coach have reportedly diminished, with former Watford assistant Karim Belhocine now emerging as the leading candidate to take over the Desert Foxes.
Although Vladimir Petkovic remains Algeria's coach, pressure has mounted following the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Switzerland.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is expected to review his future, with reports suggesting preparations for a possible managerial change are already underway.
Belhocine has reportedly impressed FAF officials thanks to his coaching experience in Belgium and his strong understanding of Algerian football.
The 48-year-old French-Algerian recently became head coach of Algerian giants JS Kabylie after previous stints with Anderlecht, Charleroi, KV Kortrijk, and as an assistant at English club Watford.
According to reports, the FAF views Belhocine's UEFA Pro Licence, tactical expertise, and familiarity with both European and Algerian football as key strengths that have moved him ahead of other candidates.
Chelle had previously been linked with the Algeria job after reports claimed the FAF contacted the Franco-Malian coach following dissatisfaction with Petkovic's World Cup campaign. His agent, Jibril Oualane, was also reportedly in Algeria for preliminary discussions.
The Super Eagles boss remains highly regarded for guiding Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before leading Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 AFCON.
His previous spell with Algerian club MC Oran also added to his appeal. However, a move now appears unlikely.
Chelle is under contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is reportedly close to extending his deal until 2030.
The proposed agreement would reportedly increase his monthly salary from $50,000 to $100,000 and expand his responsibilities to include overseeing Nigeria's Under-23 team while playing a broader role in the country's football development.
Despite missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chelle is expected to remain committed to Nigeria's long-term football project.
Although Vladimir Petkovic remains Algeria's coach, pressure has mounted following the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Switzerland.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is expected to review his future, with reports suggesting preparations for a possible managerial change are already underway.
Belhocine has reportedly impressed FAF officials thanks to his coaching experience in Belgium and his strong understanding of Algerian football.
The 48-year-old French-Algerian recently became head coach of Algerian giants JS Kabylie after previous stints with Anderlecht, Charleroi, KV Kortrijk, and as an assistant at English club Watford.
According to reports, the FAF views Belhocine's UEFA Pro Licence, tactical expertise, and familiarity with both European and Algerian football as key strengths that have moved him ahead of other candidates.
Chelle had previously been linked with the Algeria job after reports claimed the FAF contacted the Franco-Malian coach following dissatisfaction with Petkovic's World Cup campaign. His agent, Jibril Oualane, was also reportedly in Algeria for preliminary discussions.
The Super Eagles boss remains highly regarded for guiding Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before leading Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 AFCON.
His previous spell with Algerian club MC Oran also added to his appeal. However, a move now appears unlikely.
Chelle is under contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is reportedly close to extending his deal until 2030.
The proposed agreement would reportedly increase his monthly salary from $50,000 to $100,000 and expand his responsibilities to include overseeing Nigeria's Under-23 team while playing a broader role in the country's football development.
Despite missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chelle is expected to remain committed to Nigeria's long-term football project.
