Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his request for an upward review of his salary, insisting that the proposal is intended to improve his working conditions and not a signal of plans to part ways with the Nigeria Football Federation.
In a document that recently surfaced in the public space, the Franco-Malian tactician proposed fresh terms to the NFF, including an adjustment of his monthly pay from $50,000 to $130,000 — a figure that would also cater to his backroom staff.
Chelle had earlier been linked with French side Olympique Marseille, while Tunisia, Angola and his former team Mali were reportedly monitoring his situation after Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
He ultimately did not land the Marseille role, and the NFF has since indicated that the 19 requests he submitted would be examined by its board before any decision is taken.
Speaking on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, Chelle reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria and rejected suggestions that he had issued an ultimatum or threatened to resign.
“I have never gone to Nigeria to say I was going to leave for Marseille or to renegotiate everything. There is no interview or statement where I said I would go to Marseille or that I was threatening anyone,” he said.
“At the moment we’re speaking, of course, I am still the coach of Nigeria. I still have one year left on my contract. In fact, I was in a meeting via video with my technical staff to work on the squad list for the March matches. So yes, I am still the coach of Nigeria.”
Clarifying the rationale behind the proposed pay rise, Chelle said the figure reflects the structure under which he operates with African national teams.
“When you talk about $130,000, first of all it’s not euros, it’s dollars. And what people don’t know is that in Africa, with the national teams I’ve worked with, I have to pay my technical staff myself. So all those people have to be paid — and those requests are simply to ensure I have the right conditions to do my job.”
Among the reported 19 demands are a private SUV with a driver and security detail, housing in a secure neighbourhood with reliable electricity, and a furnished office equipped with a projector for tactical sessions. The coach is also said to have requested flight tickets for his wife and two children, equipment that meets his technical standards, input in arranging friendly matches, and full autonomy over squad selection.
Other requests reportedly include structured access to domestic league fixtures for scouting across the senior side as well as the U-23, U-20 and U-17 teams, and the inclusion of his personal assistant in the bonus and allowance structure.
The proposals, said to have been submitted on January 22, have drawn attention amid discussions over a possible contract extension. Chelle admitted he was surprised that the document became public.
“Today, if I’m being honest, I don’t really know. The first question I ask myself is how this document could have ended up in the media. That’s the question I’m asking myself.”
He also acknowledged that his representatives contacted Marseille but stressed that he had no direct engagement with the club.
“I signed with an agency in order to evolve and grow as a coach. My agents decided to approach certain clubs in Europe, particularly in France. At that time, OM was looking for a coach. My agency contacted the club to propose me. We didn’t do anything more than that. Shortlist or not, I had no contact.”
“After that, you should ask my agent if I was on a list or not. Since I’m from the region, I chat with a few friends who ask me if I’d like it. I am a supporter of OM and if someone asks me that, of course I would like it. But in no case did I ask for it to be communicated. With social networks, it just blew up.”
Chelle is expected to unveil his squad for next month’s international window, when Nigeria will compete in a four-nation tournament in Amman, facing Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica.
(PUNCH)
