'Say It Boldly If You Want to Leave’ — NFF React to Chelle’s Pay Request

'Say It Boldly If You Want to Leave’ — NFF React to Chelle’s Pay Request

By Admin 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are reportedly dissatisfied with a request from Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle for a €130,000 monthly salary, as negotiations over a contract extension continue, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Chelle, who was appointed in January 2025, is said to have tabled a list of 19 demands during discussions regarding his future with the national team. Chief among them is a substantial salary increase — a proposal that has generated unease within the federation.

Although Chelle guided Nigeria to victory at the Unity Cup and secured a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, he fell short of two primary objectives outlined in his initial agreement.

The first was qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria’s campaign ended in November following a playoff defeat on penalties to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking the country’s second consecutive failure to reach the global tournament after missing 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The second target was to reach the final of the 2025 AFCON. Nigeria, runners-up in the previous edition, were eliminated in the semi-finals by the Morocco national team, again via a penalty shootout.

An NFF official, speaking anonymously, criticised both the scale and timing of the salary request.

“If Chelle wants to leave, he should come out boldly and tell the NFF instead of making this outrageous demand of €130,000,” the official told The Guardian.

“Two key targets were set when he signed last year — qualify for the 2026 World Cup and reach the AFCON final. He did not achieve either.”

While both the NFF and the National Sports Commission have previously signalled a willingness to retain Chelle, negotiations remain ongoing with no agreement yet reached.

The coach has also been linked with a possible return to club management, with FC Nantes reportedly monitoring his situation as they battle near the relegation zone in Ligue 1.

As discussions continue, Chelle’s future at the helm of the Super Eagles appears increasingly uncertain.