Football Federation Urged to Reject Coach's Demands After Mixed Results
Prominent Nigerian public commentator Japheth Omojuwa has strongly advised the Nigeria Football Federation against honoring the contract conditions reportedly demanded by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle following the team's bronze medal performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Franco-Malian tactician, who took charge in January 2025, has allegedly presented a list of requirements that includes a substantial salary increase and greater autonomy over team selection.
Chelle's Contract and Performance Record
Eric Chelle was appointed as Super Eagles head coach in January 2025 on a one-year contract with a reported monthly salary of $50,000. His tenure has been marked by both achievements and significant failures. While he guided Nigeria to a record ninth AFCON bronze medal in 2025, his inability to secure World Cup qualification remains a major point of contention.
The 48-year-old coach failed to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the team finished second in their qualifying group with 17 points, just one point behind South Africa's Bafana Bafana. Nigeria received another opportunity through the African play-offs but suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout defeat against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat last November.
AFCON 2025 Campaign and Subsequent Demands
Despite the World Cup qualification failure, the NFF's Technical Committee allowed Chelle to lead the team to AFCON 2025 with the condition that he reach the tournament final. The Super Eagles began their campaign strongly with three consecutive group stage victories against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. They continued their impressive form with a 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique in the Round of 16 and a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria.
Nigeria's journey ended in the semi-finals with another penalty shootout defeat, this time against host nation Morocco. The team bounced back to defeat Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place match, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the hero of the bronze medal victory.
Following the tournament, Chelle reportedly presented the NFF with a list of demands that includes a monthly salary increase to $130,000, which would cover his technical crew and personal assistant. Additional requests include a private SUV with chauffeur and security, a house in a secure environment with uninterrupted electricity, and a fully furnished office equipped with modern analysis tools.
Public Reaction and Expert Commentary
Japheth Omojuwa responded strongly to these demands on social media platform X, writing: "Na God say no be me dey in charge. Lol. I am very quick to tell people who think they are all that to F off. The way dude is moving, you'd think he won us the AFCON. Someone had better tell him, the worst Super Eagles coaches, the worst of the worst of them, they will AFCON bronze. It's par for the course. He needs to chill. We don't send anybody like that."
Public reaction has been divided, with some fans supporting Chelle's retention despite the mixed results. Social media user @okoyemekun commented: "Eric chelle has done a great work with d National Team. Nigeria was totally abysmal under d legendary Finidi George. He totally changed the playing pattern of the team and gave them so much confidence to face d best teams in Africa. D man didn't lose a match in 90 mins at d AFCON."
Another user, @ladioyebanji1, added: "For once we can see a different level of team tactics and player deployment in the Super Eagles. Eric Chelle is simply a breath of fresh air." However, critics point to the World Cup qualification failure as evidence that Chelle's demands are unreasonable given his overall record.
NFF's Position and Broader Context
The Nigeria Football Federation finds itself in a delicate position as it weighs Chelle's demands against his performance record. Reports indicate that the NFF has warned Chelle against leaving amid interest from other African nations and clubs, including French side Olympique de Marseille. Chelle was appointed following the dismissal of Jose Peseiro and the resignation of Finidi George after poor performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing Nigerian football administration as they balance coach compensation with performance expectations. With the Super Eagles having missed World Cup qualification despite their AFCON bronze medal, the debate over Chelle's future and appropriate compensation continues to generate significant discussion among football stakeholders and fans across the nation.
