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Eric Chelle, head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has defended his request for an improved contract package from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) amid public debate over the proposed figures.
The 48-year-old tactician is currently earning a reported monthly salary of $50,000. Recent reports claimed he requested an increase to $130,000, sparking controversy.
Speaking on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, Chelle clarified that the $130,000 figure refers to dollars, not euros, and stressed that the amount would cover more than just his personal earnings.
He explained that under his current arrangement, he is responsible for paying his technical crew — including his assistant coach, physical trainer, goalkeepers’ trainer and personal aide — from the agreed package.
“In Africa, as a national team coach, I have to pay my staff from the agreed amount,” Chelle said. “We are five people. All of them have to be paid from that package.”
He added that his personal assistant plays a crucial role in helping him manage the intense pressure that comes with coaching a country of more than 200 million people.
“There is pressure. Sometimes you cannot manage it alone. So I created a structure around me to help manage that pressure,” he said.
Chelle maintained that discussions with the NFF are part of routine contract negotiations.
“When you negotiate, do you go as high as possible or as low as possible?” he asked. “It’s a negotiation. We’re getting there.”
He also addressed reports that he requested flight tickets for his family, noting that such benefits are common in coaching contracts. According to him, relocating to Nigeria requires ensuring his family can visit, which comes at a cost.
“These are not excessive demands,” Chelle stated. “They are conditions to allow me to do my job properly.”
The former Mali international revealed that a formal letter outlining the negotiation terms had been sent to the federation, adding that his representative has remained in Nigeria to continue discussions.
Chelle, who was appointed after the Africa Cup of Nations campaign, insisted he remains committed to his role but admitted uncertainty over the ongoing public scrutiny.
“I am the Nigerian coach,” he said. “I don’t know if there is a campaign against me or if someone does not want me anymore. I don’t know.”
Negotiations between Chelle and the NFF are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
