Chelle justifies $130k salary demand, denies exit threat

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says his demand for an increase in salary is aimed at improving his working conditions, while dismissing claims that he is threatening to quit his role with the Nigeria Football Federation over the new terms, PUNCH Sports Extrareports.

In a recently leaked document, Chelle tabled new terms before the NFF, including an increase in his monthly salary from $50,000 to $130,000, which would also cover his assistants.

Prior to this, he had been linked with French club Olympique Marseille, while some African countries such as Tunisia, Angola and his former employers, Mali, were reportedly interested in him following Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

However, he did not get the Marseille job, while the NFF has stated that his 19 demands are subject to review and approval by its board.

Speaking on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, Chelle maintained that he remains committed to the Super Eagles, denying reports that he issued any ultimatum.

“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.”

Addressing reports about his salary demands, the Franco-Malian coach explained that the proposed increase is meant to improve his working conditions.

“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.”

Chelle’s reported 19 demands include a private SUV with a chauffeur and security detail; accommodation in a well-secured area with uninterrupted power supply; a furnished office equipped with a projector for tactical analysis; flight tickets for his wife and two children; provision of equipment in line with his technical specifications; influence in selecting friendly matches; and autonomy in team selection.

The coach also reportedly wants structured access to domestic league matches to scout players for integration into the senior team as well as the U-23, U-20 and U-17 sides. Additionally, he is said to be requesting that his personal assistant be included in the bonus and allowance framework.

The demands, reportedly submitted on January 22, have intensified scrutiny around his potential contract renewal, while Chelle expressed surprise at how 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 confirmed that his agency made contact with Marseille regarding the possibility of the job, but stressed that he had no direct involvement.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Chelle is expected to name his squad ahead of next month’s international window, during which Nigeria are scheduled to face Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica in a four-nation tournament in Amman, the Jordanian capital. (Punch)