The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially confirmed that it owes the head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, three months of his salary. This revelation comes less than a week before the kickoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where Nigeria is set to begin its campaign.
NSC Clarifies Responsibility for Coach's Payment
Through the National Sports Commission (NSC), the government clarified the situation surrounding the coach's remuneration. Mallam Shehu Dikko, the current Chairman of the NSC and a former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stated that the commission has been handling the salary payments. He explained this is done as a form of support for the NFF, even though the NSC is not formally a party to the contractual agreement with the coach.
"The National Sports Commission (NSC) have been paying the salaries of the Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle on behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) even though we’re not a party to the contract," Dikko said. "Eric Chelle's salary is part of our support to the NFF."
Chelle's Tenure and Upcoming AFCON Challenge
The 48-year-old Malian tactician was appointed in January 2025 with clear objectives: to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and to guide the team to at least the semifinals of the AFCON. He took over from Finidi George, who resigned while the Super Eagles were in fourth place in their World Cup qualification group.
Under Chelle's guidance, the team improved significantly, finishing second in their qualifying group with 17 points from four wins and two draws. He also led the three-time African champions to the final of a playoff tournament, where they narrowly lost 4-3 to the Democratic Republic of Congo after beating Gabon 4-1 in the semifinals.
Nigeria's first match at AFCON 2025 is scheduled for December 23 in the city of Fes, where they will face the Taifa Stars of Tanzania. The Super Eagles are in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
Resolution Expected Before Tournament Kickoff
There are strong indications that the outstanding salary will be settled before the start of the continental tournament. A top official within the NFF disclosed that the technical committee has already met with Chelle to explain the delay in payment, which reportedly stems from awaiting "cash backing from finance."
The official noted that payments had been regular from February until issues arose around June and July, which were later resolved. The current arrears are said to be for the months of September and October. The expectation is that the process will be completed imminently, allowing the coach to focus fully on the task ahead in Morocco.
