Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle to See Out Contract Amid $130k Extension Demands

 

​The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has cleared the air regarding the future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, with top officials confirming that the Malian tactician will honor his existing agreement. Despite swirling rumors of a potential exit following interest from Ligue 1 giants Marseille and other international teams, the NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Sherif Inuwa Ahlan, has provided much-needed assurance to Nigerian football fans. This development comes at a critical juncture for the national team as they prepare for upcoming international engagements, including a four-nation invitational tournament in Jordan.

​The NFF Stands Firm on Eric Chelle’s Future

​In a statement that has calmed the nerves of the Nigerian sporting community, Sherif Inuwa Ahlan emphasized that there is currently no reason to debate the coach's position. Eric Chelle, who still has approximately nine months remaining on his initial two-year contract, is expected to remain focused on his duties. The "Top Official" noted that the federation expects professional respect for the binding agreement, effectively shutting down immediate speculation that the coach might jump ship for a lucrative European role.

​This stability is vital for the Super Eagles, who recently secured a bronze medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) under Chelle’s guidance. The NFF's stance suggests a desire for continuity, aiming to build on the tactical foundations laid during the continental tournament. By insisting that Chelle see through his contract, the federation is prioritizing the team's preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and other immediate competitive goals.

​The $130,000 Contract Extension Controversy

​While the NFF is focused on the current contract, the conversation around a potential extension has sparked significant debate. Reports recently emerged that Eric Chelle, through his new representatives at Wilders Sport, submitted a comprehensive 19-point proposal for a contract renewal. The most striking element of this proposal is a requested monthly salary of $130,000.

​To understand the magnitude of this request, one must look at Chelle’s current earnings, which sit around $50,000 per month. The proposed jump to $130,000 is intended to cover not just the head coach's wages but also his entire technical crew and a personal assistant. While some stakeholders view this as a fair market rate for a successful international manager, others, including former Gombe State FA Chairman Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, have warned that the NFF might regret meeting such high financial demands.

​Beyond the Salary: Chelle’s 19-Point Proposal

​The contract negotiations involve more than just a paycheck. Eric Chelle has outlined a vision for a more professionalized working environment, requesting specific logistical and technical guarantees that have often been sticking points in Nigerian football administration. Key demands from the leaked proposal include:

• ​Logistics & Security: A private SUV with a chauffeur and dedicated security details, along with housing in a secure environment featuring 24-hour electricity.
• ​Technical Tools: A furnished office equipped with a projector for tactical analysis and reliable internet access.
• ​Travel Benefits: Business-class tickets for himself and his wife, with economy-class tickets for their children.
• ​Autonomy: Full control over team selection, player invitations, and the scheduling of international friendlies and camping programs.
• ​Youth Integration: The authority to monitor and engage players from the local league and foreign clubs to integrate them into the senior and age-grade national teams (U23, U20, and U17).

​These demands reflect a coach who is pushing for a European-style structure within the Nigerian setup, seeking to eliminate the "interference" that has historically plagued previous Super Eagles managers.

​What’s Next for the Super Eagles?

​For now, the drama of contract extensions remains in the background as the Super Eagles prepare for the pitch. The team is set to participate in a four-nation invitational tournament in Amman, Jordan, where they will face the hosts and Iran. This tournament will serve as a testing ground for Chelle to prove his worth and justify the steep demands he has placed on the federation.

​The NFF’s current strategy appears to be one of "wait and see." By ensuring he sees out his current term, they maintain the status quo while buying time to evaluate if the financial investment of $130,000 a month aligns with the country’s long-term footballing goals. Whether Chelle stays beyond the next nine months depends on his ability to maintain the team's upward trajectory and the NFF's willingness to meet his extensive list of professional requirements.