Eric Chelle’s $130k demand: Where Super Eagles’ coach stands among Africa’s best‑paid

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) finds itself in tense negotiations with Eric Chelle, Afrik Foot reports.

This follows reports that emerged that the Super Eagles head coach has tabled a 19‑point proposal that includes a proposed $130,000 monthly salary as part of a contract renewal to continue leading the team.

The package—significantly higher than his current pay of around $50,000 per month—also reportedly includes perks such as private transport with security, uninterrupted accommodation power supply, and paid travel for family members.

The proposal, submitted in late January 2026, has sparked debate in Nigerian football circles, especially considering Chelle still has about a year remaining on his existing deal with the federation.

Eric Chelle’s salary leap sparks outrage

Critics within the Nigerian football community have been vocal. Former Gombe State FA chairman Ahmed Shuaibu Gara‑Gombe described the demand as “blackmail” and argued that Chelle was elevated to prominence by the Super Eagles rather than the other way around and that the federation should not feel pressured to meet such terms.

🚨🇳🇬 Former Gombe State FA chairman Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe has blasted Eric Chelle’s reported €130,000 monthly salary demand, warning it could backfire on Nigeria.

“This man just came to Nigeria to boost his CV. I said it before that the Super Eagles is too big for Chelle.… pic.twitter.com/LuXeHcMupy

— Super Eagles Supporters Club (@official_esclub) February 22, 2026

Gara‑Gombe’s assessment echoed wider criticism in local media about the scale of the financial request, especially given that Nigeria failed to meet two key targets set for Chelle — qualification for the FIFA World Cup and reaching the AFCON 2025 final, where they fell short before clinching bronze.

The NFF has acknowledged receipt of the proposal and confirmed it is under review, but also stressed that Chelle already has accommodation, a driver, and basic facilities provided by the federation.

How Chelle’s Demand Compares With Africa’s Top‑Paid Coaches

To put the reported $130,000 ask in perspective, available estimates of coaching salaries across Africa show a wide range, with only a handful of national team bosses approaching or exceeding that level:

Coach	Country	Approx. Monthly Salary (EUR)
Vladimir Petković	Algeria	€135,000
Hugo Broos	South Africa	€75,000
Emerse Faé	Ivory Coast	€75,000
Walid Regragui	Morocco	€70,000
James Kwesi Appiah	Sudan	€48,000
Eric Chelle	Nigeria	€46,000 (~$50,000)

Based on these figures, Chelle’s current salary already places him above many national coaches across Africa, but his proposed increase to $130,000 per month would potentially elevate him to the very top of the continent’s highest earners — rivaling or even surpassing Algeria’s Petković.

Super Eagles: Investment, Performance, and Priorities

Supporters of Chelle’s position argue that modern coaching requires more than just tactics—it demands technology, travel, and scouting resources to stay competitive on the continental stage.

Some analysts suggest that several items on the list, such as uninterrupted power, strategic scouting trips, and clear contractual terms for backroom staff, are long-overdue infrastructural improvements rather than perks.

However, detractors point out that Nigeria’s economic realities and recent unmet targets should temper expectations and caution against setting a costly precedent.

Many observers stress that federation leadership must balance ambition with sustainability, especially in an environment where domestic football structures often struggle with funding.

What’s Next for Chelle and the Super Eagles

As negotiations continue, both Chelle and the NFF have so far refrained from extensive public comment on the specifics of the demands, focusing instead on internal review processes and technical committee discussions.

The federation’s next steps will be closely watched amid Nigeria’s preparations for upcoming fixtures, and the outcome could influence both national team performance and broader debates over who will lead the team to the 2027 AFCON tournament.