Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has publicly defended his request for a substantial increase in his monthly salary, a figure widely reported as $130,000, by explaining that the amount is intended to cover not only his own pay but also the wages of his entire technical staff.
The clarification comes amid intense public scrutiny and debate across Nigerian sports media, social platforms and among football stakeholders after details of his contract demands were leaked during ongoing negotiations with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Speaking on the Histoires de Foot podcast, the Franco-Malian coach stressed that the $130,000 figure, paid in U.S. dollars, not euros, is not purely individual. He said that, unlike many national team arrangements, a head coach in many African setups is responsible for paying his backroom team from the contract amount agreed with the federation.
“In Africa, as a national team coach, I have to pay my staff from the agreed amount,” Chelle explained, noting that his group includes his assistant coach, a physical trainer, goalkeeper coach and a personal assistant. “We are five people. All of them have to be paid from that package.”
He also pointed to the enormous pressures associated with coaching a team representing more than 250 million people, and underlined the importance of having a professional support structure for tactical, physical and administrative functions.
The coach’s contract negotiations reportedly began after Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Eagles finished third. Details of Chelle’s proposed terms, said to include a new vehicle with driver and security, housing support, ticket arrangements for family visits and operational autonomy, were leaked publicly, triggering widespread discussion and debate within Nigerian football circles.
Despite the backlash, Chelle has dismissed claims that he is threatening to quit or walk away from the role if his requests are not met. He reaffirmed his commitment to the Super Eagles and highlighted that normal negotiation dynamics involve pushing for better terms, not ultimatums.
The Nigeria Football Federation has so far not made a formal public position on the current contract talks, with negotiations reportedly continuing behind closed doors. The NFF board is expected to review the proposals as the federation prepares for upcoming international fixtures, including March’s four-nation tournament featuring Nigeria.
Reactions from former players and football analysts remain mixed, with some criticizing the timing and scale of the request and others defending aspects of his rationale — particularly the need for a strong and fairly compensated technical team to support national team objectives.
As contract discussions continue, Chelle remains in charge of the Super Eagles, with one year left on his current deal, and his explanations aim to frame the controversial figure within the context of modern coaching demands and professional support structures.
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