Super Eagles: NFF question €130k salary demand from Chelle after two missed targets

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are reportedly unsure about granting Eric Chelle a significant salary increase, despite the coach’s achievements since taking charge of the Nigeria national football team, Afrik-Foot reports.

Chelle, who became head coach in January 2025, is said to have submitted a list of 19 demands as part of negotiations over a contract extension. Among them is a request to earn €130,000 per month.

Both the NFF and Nigeria’s National Sports Commission have previously expressed interest in keeping the Malian tactician.

From $50,000 to $130,000 alongside 18 other conditions has caused a bit of uproar within the Nigerian football faithfuls.

What do you genuinely think of Eric Chelle’s requests? #54footballx pic.twitter.com/uIpZZrahYS

— Official54fx (@54footballx) February 21, 2026

Under his leadership, Nigeria lifted the invitational Unity Cup in May 2025 and impressed many observers at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Eagles finished third.

Nigeria earned praise for an attacking style of football that produced 14 goals, the highest tally at the tournament, helping Chelle strengthen his reputation on the continent.

Chelle: Missed contract targets raise concerns

Despite those positives, the NFF believe the Malian tactician did not meet the two major objectives included in his original contract.

The first requirement was qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Nigeria’s hopes ended in November when the Super Eagles lost their decisive qualifying playoff against DR Congo on penalties, meaning the country will miss a second consecutive World Cup after failing to reach Qatar 2022.

The second target was reaching the final of the 2025 AFCON. Nigeria had been runners-up at the previous edition, and Chelle was expected to repeat that achievement. Instead, the Super Eagles were eliminated in the semi-final by host nation Morocco national football team, again via a penalty shootout.

An NFF official, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration with the coach’s demands.

“If Chelle wants to leave, he should come out boldly and tell the NFF instead of this outrageous demand of $130,000,” the NFF official told The Guardian.

“Now, let me reveal the main two targets given to Chelle by the NFF when he signed the contract last year. First, he was told to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 World Cup and second, qualify the team for the final of 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco. Did he fulfil these two? The answer is no.”

Although talks over his future continue, Chelle has recently been linked with managerial opportunities in France, including interest from FC Nantes, who are struggling near the Ligue 1 relegation zone. The situation leaves both coach and federation facing important decisions about the next phase of the Super Eagles project.