JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has addressed ongoing discussions regarding his contract negotiations with the NFF and reported tensions.
Speaking on PodcastHDF, Chelle explained how discussions began shortly after Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign.
“At the end of the match against Egypt, before an interview with Canal+, I went for an interview, and then there were the Minister of Sports and the Director of Customs, who came to congratulate me.
“They tell me, Eric, after the game, that you are in Nigeria, that we have to discuss your contract.”
Chelle clarified reports about the financial figures being discussed, particularly the widely cited $130,000 salary.
“To go to the numbers, when you talk to me about 130,000, they are not euros, they are dollars. 130,000 dollars.”
He further revealed that the proposed salary would not only cover his personal income, but that he is responsible for paying his technical staff with the same amount.
“What people don’t know is that in Africa, in the national team where I was, I have to pay my staff.
“So, at the $130,000 offered, potentially, if of course those numbers are confirmed, do you have to pay your staff with everything behind it? Yes, there are five of us.”
Also read: Akor Adams names Ronaldo as the best of all time
Chelle detailed the composition of her team:
“I’m talking to you about my assistant, my first assistant, my physical trainer, my goalkeeping coach and my personal assistant… So, all these people, well, you have to pay them. You have to pay them.”
Expectations of the Super Eagles
He also addressed the immense pressure that comes with managing a nation the size of Nigeria.
“There are times when the pressure is strong, when there is a coach from a nation of 250 million people. I have created a structure around me that will allow me to manage this pressure.”
On additional reported demands, including plane tickets for his family, Chelle insisted such requests are standard in international soccer negotiations.
“When I ask for plane tickets for my family, all the selectors ask for plane tickets, because I want to live in Nigeria, so I need my family to come.
“It is neither more nor less a requirement to be in good condition to do my job.”
He confirmed that formal documentation had been submitted as part of the negotiation process.
“There is a letter that was sent to the Federation. The person who had the mandate to negotiate with Nigeria since I arrived, since the African Cup, is still in Nigeria.”
Despite the speculation, Chelle maintained that he remains committed to his role.
“Today, once again, as I told you, I am a Nigerian coach.
“So, I don’t know, maybe there is a campaign of denigration, maybe Nigerians don’t dare to tell me that they don’t want me to be a coach anymore or not, well, I don’t know.”
It is unclear whether Eric Chelle and the NFF will reach an agreement on a contract extension, as tensions between both parties are evident over financial demands.
