AFCON Semi-Final Not Grounds for Mid-Contract Demands Former Super Eagles Star Tells Chelle

AFCON Semi-Final Not Grounds for Mid-Contract Demands Former Super Eagles Star Tells Chelle 

By Niyi Busari 

Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to consider going their separate ways if the reported contractual impasse is not resolved promptly, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking to Brila FM, Lawal said he had not received any official communication from the federation regarding Chelle’s alleged demands, cautioning that much of the discussion remains speculative.

The former midfielder, who earned 57 caps for Nigeria, acknowledged that reaching the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations is a respectable achievement but argued that it should not be considered exceptional within the context of Nigeria’s football history.

“Nigeria is a stepping stone. When you coach Nigeria, even if you do it for free, it adds value to your CV. We know his CV is good, and people speak highly of him,” Lawal said.

Lawal, who reached the AFCON semi-finals four times during his playing career, maintained that contractual negotiations are typically handled either at the outset of an appointment or after securing a major title — not midway through an existing agreement.

“For me, he has to decide what he wants. He has a contract with the NFF and the federation. If he has made up his mind to leave, then it is better to let him go,” he added.

He further warned that uncertainty over a coach’s future could affect performance and focus.

“If his mind is no longer in Nigeria, and he stays, it will be difficult for him to give his all. Why didn’t he make those demands at the beginning? Or when the contract expires?

“You cannot be halfway into a contract and start setting conditions for staying longer. Nobody told him to extend — they only expect him to respect the agreement he signed,” Lawal concluded.