Report: Eric Chelle demands massive pay rise to stay on as Nigeria coach

According to reports, Chelle is seeking a monthly salary of 130,000 US dollars (approximately N174.2 million), a sharp increase from his current 50,000 dollars. The coach signed a two-year contract with the NFF in January 2025, with an option for an additional year at the federation's discretion. His mandate included qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 Fifa World Cup and guiding the team to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, Allnigeriasoccer.com reports that Chelle has formally written to the federation requesting improved contractual terms despite falling short of both objectives.

The proposed salary hike is reportedly part of a wider nineteen-point list of demands submitted to the NFF. Chelle is understood to be pushing for nearly three times his current earnings, a move widely interpreted as a signal that he may be weighing up alternative opportunities.

For comparison, Jose Peseiro, who guided Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and boasts a stronger coaching resume, earned significantly less than what Chelle is now requesting. During his time in charge of Mali, Chelle reportedly earned around 20,000 dollars per month, underlining the scale of his current demands.

Since the conclusion of the 2025 Afcon, Chelle has been linked with potential coaching roles in Tunisia, Angola and Gabon, and was also reported to have offered himself to Olympique Marseille following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi.

The NFF must now decide whether to meet Chelle's demands or part ways with the coach.