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The future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has come under renewed scrutiny following reports that the Franco-Malian tactician formally requested a substantial increase in his monthly remuneration from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), BSN Sports.com.ng reports.
According to an insider account, Chelle — a former defender for French club Lens — submitted a detailed 19-point proposal to the NFF on January 22, 2026, despite being under contract. Central to the proposal was a request to raise his monthly package from $50,000 to $130,000 (approximately ₦174 million), a figure said to cover not only his salary but also the wages of his technical crew and personal assistant.
It was reported that the proposed adjustment represented a significant leap from his current earnings and contradicted earlier claims suggesting he had asked for $100,000 per month.
The NFF reportedly rejected the proposal, citing financial constraints and ongoing discussions surrounding coaching remuneration within Nigerian football.
Sources indicate that federation officials considered the demands excessive, particularly in light of budgetary pressures.
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The rejection is believed to have contributed to speculation linking Chelle with a potential move to French side Olympique de Marseille, although no official confirmation has emerged regarding any negotiations.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the senior national team, the NFF Technical Committee has reportedly forwarded its recommendations for coaching appointments to the federation’s Executive Board for final approval.
The committee met in Abuja on Tuesday to deliberate on candidates for vacant positions across Nigeria’s youth national teams. The roles under review include head coaches for the men’s Under-17 and Under-20 teams — the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles — as well as the women’s Under-17 side, the Flamingos.
As part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s youth development structure, the NFF had earlier invited qualified and interested coaches to apply for the positions. The Technical Committee has now concluded its review process and submitted a shortlist of recommended candidates to the Executive Board for ratification.
With key administrative decisions pending and uncertainty surrounding Chelle’s contractual situation, attention now turns to the NFF leadership as it navigates a critical period for Nigerian football.
