Nigeria Football Federation faces $100,000 monthly salary for coach Eric Chelle amid sustainability concerns

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has signed a contract extension with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that runs until 2030 and raises his salary to $100,000 per month. The NFF will also assume responsibility for the wages of his backroom staff, a significant increase from the $50,000 monthly package that previously covered his assistants.

Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal warned that the federation may not be able to sustain the new payment level, saying, "I only fear that Nigeria cannot sustain that $100,000 payment." Former coach Finidi George echoed the concern, adding that giving Chelle combined responsibility for the senior team and the U‑23 Olympic side could be counter‑productive.

Chelle, who joined the senior team in January 2025, steered Nigeria to a play‑off spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, recorded four wins and two draws, and led the side to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His immediate task under the renewed deal is to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.