Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has become the subject of a major international tug-of-war following Nigeria's impressive run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Malian tactician is reportedly being courted by the Tunisian Football Federation with a staggering financial offer to abandon his role with Nigeria.
Lucrative Offer from North Africa
According to reports from The Standard, the Tunisian Football Federation is prepared to offer Eric Chelle a monthly salary of $100,000 to take charge of the Carthage Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This offer represents a dramatic 100% increase over his current estimated monthly wage of $50,000 with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The approach from Tunisia comes after their national team's disappointing elimination in the Round of 16 at AFCON 2025. Following a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Mali, despite playing against ten men for most of the match, the federation terminated the contract of coach Sami Trabelsi and his technical staff by mutual consent.
World Cup Qualification Adds to Appeal
A significant factor making the Tunisian offer attractive is that, unlike Nigeria, Tunisia has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup. This presents Chelle with an immediate opportunity to coach on football's grandest global stage, a prospect that is highly coveted by any manager.
The Tunisian federation views Chelle's recent achievements as compelling evidence of his coaching pedigree. Under his leadership, the Super Eagles delivered a dominant performance at AFCON 2025, reaching the semifinals with an unblemished defensive record. His tactical acumen in transforming Nigeria into a cohesive and high-scoring unit has clearly caught the attention of other African football powerhouses.
Chelle's Focus Remains on AFCON Semifinal
Despite the lucrative offer and the allure of a World Cup campaign, Eric Chelle has maintained that his immediate focus is entirely on Nigeria's upcoming challenge. The Super Eagles are set to face tournament hosts Morocco in a highly anticipated AFCON 2025 semifinal clash in Rabat.
Chelle's Nigerian side arrives at this stage in formidable form, having won all five of their matches without conceding a single goal, while netting 14 times. This remarkable run included a flawless quarterfinal victory over Algeria, further cementing Chelle's reputation as a top-tier coach on the continent.
Reports suggest that other nations, including Angola and Guinea, are also monitoring Chelle's situation. However, the substantial financial package and guaranteed World Cup involvement from Tunisia likely position them as the frontrunners should Chelle consider a move.
The coach's decision, expected after Nigeria's AFCON campaign concludes, could significantly reshape the coaching landscape in African football. His appointment by the NFF in December 2025 during a turbulent World Cup qualifying phase has proven to be a masterstroke, and retaining his services may now require a substantial commitment from Nigerian football authorities.
