Eric Chelle future with Super Eagles in doubt following massive new contract demands

by Devesh Jaganath

image Eric Chelle future with Super Eagles in doubt following massive new contract demands
Nigeria national football team head coach Eric Chelle’s future with the Super Eagles has once again come under the spotlight after reports revealed that he asked for a significant upgrade on his current contract. The NFF’s response to his requests has added to speculation that Chelle’s tenure could be coming to an end.

Chelle’s 19-point list to renew contract with Nigeria 

Nigerian football has faced a tough couple of years, with the Super Eagles failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while off-field governance and administrative issues continue to threaten the national team’s progress. 

However, Nigerian fans were given a reason to cheer at the start of this year when they saw their side claim silver at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under the leadership of Eric Chelle, whose stock rose considerably since the continental showpiece. 

Unfortunately, the Malian-born head coach’s tenure with the Super Eagles now seems to be unclear after reports indicated that he submitted a 19-point list of demands to the Nigerian Football Federation to remain at the helm for the foreseeable future. 

It is understood that among his lengthy list of requests, Chelle has asked for a substantial increase in his monthly pay, up to $130,000 from the current $50,000 he earns. The coach signed a new two-year deal with the NFF in January 2025 that includes an option to extend for a further year. 

In addition to a pay rise, the 48-year-old reportedly also requested bonuses for his personal assistant and technical staff, as well as a house in a location that has 24-hour electricity, a furnished office, and internet connectivity for tactical preparation. 

Other headline demands include:

  • A private SUV with a chauffeur and security
  • Flight tickets for his partner and two children
  • The right to choose opponents for international friendlies
  • No interference in team selection and player call-ups
  • Salary to be paid on the 30th of every month

Notably, Jose Peseiro, the coach who took Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON final and boasts a stronger international coaching resume, earned significantly less than the Super Eagles’ current head coach’s new demands. During his time in charge of Mali, it is believed that Chelle pocketed around $20,000 per month. 

NFF respond to Chelle’s list of new contract demands 

After a short period of consideration, the Nigeria Football Federation responded to Chelle’s 19-point list of demands this week. Unfortunately for the Super Eagles’ head coach, it was not the outcome he would likely have been hoping for. 

The NFF have insisted that the Malian tactician is already adequately provided for and refuted suggestions that he lacks fundamental provisions. In an interview with the media, NFF Secretary General Dr Mohammed Sanusi revealed: 

“Chelle has accommodation, a car, and a driver. 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.” 

Sanusi did not comment on any of the other elements requested by Chelle. All the while, rumours have begun to circulate that Bunmi Haruna has emerged as one of the front-runners for the Nigeria national team head coach role.