The future of Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has come under fresh scrutiny after reports emerged that he asked for a major pay rise from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Chelle is said to have submitted a proposal on January 22, 2026, requesting an increase in his monthly earnings from $50,000 to $130,000. The amount was reportedly meant to cover his salary, technical crew, and personal assistant.
The NFF is believed to have rejected the request, describing it as too high, especially amid financial challenges and ongoing debates over coaches’ salaries in Nigerian football. The rejection reportedly left Chelle unhappy and open to other job opportunities abroad.
Following the disagreement, Chelle was linked with a move to French club Olympique de Marseille. He is also said to have changed his agent in a bid to improve his chances of securing the job. However, Marseille later appointed former Senegal international Habib Beye, ending Chelle’s hopes of joining the club.
Despite this, the former Mali international is believed to be monitoring other opportunities in France. Meanwhile, concerns remain over whether the NFF can afford such a high salary package, given its reliance on government support and irregular sponsorship income.
Chelle remains under contract with the NFF, but his long-term future with the Super Eagles is now being closely watched.
