Chelle’s €130k Salary Demand in Doubt After Missed Targets

The Nigeria Football Federation is weighing whether to meet Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s demand for a substantial salary increase, with the coach’s failure to achieve two key contractual targets casting doubt over his ambitious renewal terms, Sunday PUNCH reports.

A board member of the NFF confirmed that Chelle tabled fresh terms before the federation, including a request to raise his monthly salary from $50,000 to $130,000, a figure that would also cover his assistants. The 19-point proposal, reportedly submitted on January 22, is yet to be formally discussed and remains subject to review and approval.

“Let us not forget that Chelle still has one year left on his current contract. These are fresh demands to be considered for renewal, which remains subject to debate, especially with these terms. This is for the technical committee to review before presenting to the board for approval,” the NFF board member told Sunday PUNCH.

The two targets Chelle was expected to meet were qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and reaching the final of the 2025 AFCON. The Super Eagles fell short on both counts, losing their World Cup qualifying playoff to DR Congo on penalties in November and exiting the AFCON semi-finals to hosts Morocco, also on penalties, before claiming the bronze medal.

Despite those disappointments, Chelle’s tenure has not been without merit. Nigeria went unbeaten in seven matches in Morocco and scored 14 goals at the tournament — the highest tally of any side at the competition.

Beyond the salary demand, Chelle’s other reported requests include a private SUV with a chauffeur and security detail, furnished accommodation with uninterrupted power supply, a tactical office with a projector, flight tickets for his wife and two children, autonomy over team selection and friendly match scheduling, and inclusion of his personal assistant in the bonus framework.

“Before now, the NFF president has publicly expressed our desire to keep working with him. When the time comes, we will meet again to discuss the new situation,” the board member added.

Complicating the situation further, Chelle has parted ways with Abraham Sidibe, the agent who brokered his Super Eagles appointment, and signed with Marseille-based agency Wilders Sport. Tunisia are also said to be tracking the Franco-Malian coach with an offer in the region of $100,000 per month.

Chelle is expected to name a squad for the March international window, during which Nigeria face Jordan in a friendly between March 23 and 31. The Super Eagles are also awaiting FIFA’s verdict on their protest against DR Congo over the World Cup qualifying playoff.

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