Despite attracting interest from other suitors offering improved salary packages, Chelle is set to remain in charge of the senior national team and has already turned his attention to reinforcing the squad ahead of upcoming competitions.
According to sources close to OwnGoalNigeria, the Malian tactician has secured the services of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who is expected to be included in the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON qualifiers scheduled to begin in March.
Okonkwo has received FIFA clearance to represent Nigeria and the 24-year-old shot-stopper, who has made 26 appearances in the English Championship, is expected to provide strong competition for current first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Beyond the goalkeeping department, Chelle is also assessing several outfield players. His recruitment criteria reportedly emphasise aggression, pace and a willingness to work hard off the ball, particularly in terms of covering spaces and defensive contribution.
The coach has already drawn up a shortlist of players who will undergo extensive scouting, with final selections to be made ahead of the team's return to action in March.
Belgian champions Club Brugge have confirmed that midfielder Raphael Onyedika will remain at the club this season after turning down a late offer from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg.
Nigeria international forward Ademola Lookman is set to complete a move to La Liga side Atletico Madrid from Atalanta subject to a medical on Monday.
FC Porto have bolstered their attack with the loan signing of Nigerian international Terem Moffi from Ligue 1 side Nice.
Besiktas and Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has lost his father on Tuesday morning after a car crash in the town of Umunede in Delta State, Nigeria.
