Chelle’s future in doubt after pay rise request to NFF
The future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has come under renewed scrutiny following reports that the Franco-Malian tactician formally requested a substantial increase in his monthly remuneration from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
According to an insider account, Chelle, a former Lens defender, submitted a detailed 19-point proposal to the NFF on 22 January 2026, despite being under contract.
Central to the proposal was a request to raise his monthly package from $50,000 to $130,000 (approximately ₦174 million), a figure said to cover not only his salary but also the wages of his technical crew and personal assistant.
It was reported that the proposed adjustment represented a significant increase from his current earnings and contradicted earlier claims suggesting he had asked for $100,000 per month.
The NFF reportedly rejected the proposal, citing financial constraints and ongoing discussions surrounding coaching remuneration within Nigerian football. Sources indicated that federation officials considered the demands excessive, particularly in light of budgetary pressures.
The rejection is believed to have fuelled speculation linking Chelle with a potential move to French side Olympique de Marseille, although no official confirmation has emerged regarding any negotiations.
The former Malian national team handler guided the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2025 AFCON held in Morocco, a performance that earned him accolades from football fans.
