Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report with certainty that Malian tactician Eric Chelle has demanded a monthly salary of $130,000.00 (approximately N174.2 million) from the Nigeria Football Federation, a significant increase from his current $50,000.00, as one of the conditions to continue as head coach of the Super Eagles.
Chelle, who signed a two-year contract with the NFF in January 2025 with an optional additional year in NFF’s favour, was tasked with qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 Fifa World Cup and reaching the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite failing to achieve the two targets, the former Lens centre-back has formally notified his employers in writing that he is seeking improved contractual terms.
The coach’s proposed salary and other demands are part of a broader nineteen-point request submitted to the Nigerian Federation.
Chelle is seeking almost three times his current salary, a move interpreted as an indication that he might be exploring opportunities elsewhere.
For context, José Peseiro, who has a stronger coaching record and led Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, earned less than what Chelle is now demanding.
During his tenure with the Malian national team, Chelle earned about $20,000 per month, highlighting how significant his current demand is.
Since the end of the 2025 Afcon, Chelle has been linked with coaching positions in Tunisia, Angola and Gabon, and recently offered himself to French giants Marseille after Roberto de Zerbi left his role by mutual consent.
The Nigeria Football Federation now finds itself in a difficult spot, needing to decide whether to accede to Chelle’s significant demands or let the coach go.
Eric Chelle’s 19-point request submitted to the Nigerian Federation
1. Private car (SUV) with a chauffeur and security.
2. House in a well secured environment with twenty-four hours uninterrupted power supply (electricity).
3. Furnished office with projector for analysis.
4. Internet provision.
5. Flight tickets for wife and two children (Eric and wife business class), children economy.
6. GPS provision.
7. Supply of proper equipment in accordance to the coach’s demand.
8. Based on opponents, the coach has the right of choice regarding international friendly matches.
9. Camping programs
10. The coach will initiate programs for youth development.
11. Provision for the coach to travel, watch, monitor and engage players of the national teams abroad.
12. Provision for the coach to travel to watch the local league to identify potential players that will be integrated into the senior national team, U23, U20 and U17.
13. No interference in team selection and players call-up.
14. The Nigerian Federation has to issue a working contract for my staff.
15, Salary needs to be paid on or before the 30th of every month.
16. Bonus and allowance as per Federation structure.
17. Request to include my PA in the bonus and allowance structure.
18. Proposed salary of $130,000.00 (one hundred and thirty thousand dollars) monthly. This amount includes all my technical staff and PA.
19. Monthly meeting with all the national team coaches.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel @AllNigerianSoccer
