NFF Reportedly Owes Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Three Months Salary Ahead of AFCON

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly owing Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle for at least three months, according to BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji.

Okeleji made the revelation in a post on his X account on Tuesday, noting that the Malian coach has not yet made a formal complaint about the non-payment.

“Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is owed three months salary and bonuses ahead of the AFCON,” Okeleji wrote.
“The Malian, who led the Eagles to 2026 World Cup playoff, has however yet to make an official complaint to his employers (the NFF) about the non-payment of his salary.”

Chelle is expected to name his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, December 10.

OPINION — A Familiar Story, A Damaging Reputation

As exciting as AFCON preparations should be, it’s hard to ignore the frustration that comes with this recurring narrative: Nigerian coaches not getting paid on time.

It raises a painful question:
How can the Super Eagles soar when the man tasked with leading them is left waiting for his wages?

Eric Chelle has shown professionalism—no public complaint, no drama, just work. But silence should never be mistaken for satisfaction. If a coach qualifies the country for the World Cup playoffs and is preparing for a major continental tournament, the bare minimum he deserves is timely payment.

Nigeria is a football powerhouse, but situations like this continue to chip away at our credibility. Players and coaches thrive in environments that respect their work. The NFF must remember: success on the pitch starts with respect off it.

If we want trophies, if we want passion, if we want the best…
Then the people leading our football must be treated like the professionals they are.