Eric Chelle: Can NFF afford $130,000 a month demand for Super Eagles role?

The future of Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has come under fresh scrutiny after a new insider report revealed the former Lens defender sought a major pay rise, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Despite being under contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chelle reportedly submitted a 19-point proposal on January 22, 2026, requesting a sharp increase in his monthly earnings.

According to sports journalist Shina Oludare, the core of the proposal was a jump from $50,000 to $130,000 per month, which is meant to cover Chelle’s salary and that of his full technical crew and personal assistant

Eric Chelle looks on during the Africa Cup Of Nations match between Mozambique and Nigeria at Fes Stadium on January 5, 2026 in Fes, Morocco. Photo by Thor Wegner/DeFodi ImagesxImago

This, however, contradicts earlier claims that he asked for $100,000.

Oludare further revealed that the NFF rejected the proposal, which triggered the events that later linked him with a possible move to Olympique de Marseille.

Eric Chelle's salary row with the NFF

Sources say the Nigeria Football Federation deemed Chelle's demands excessive, especially given existing financial constraints and ongoing debates about coach remuneration in Nigerian football.

The request, which outlined staffing costs and personal support expenses, failed to convince decision-makers, which left Chelle dissatisfied and reportedly open to alternative opportunities abroad.

Coach Eric Chelle and his assistant Hedi Taboubi during the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Uganda and Nigeria. Photo by Segun OgunfeyitimixImago

Marseille move and agent switch

In a bid to strengthen his chances of landing the Marseille job, Chelle is said to have parted ways with his long-time agent, Sidibe Abraham Brehima—who previously helped him secure roles with Mali and Nigeria after his dismissal at Boulogne—and instead signed with Wilders Sport, per Shina Oludare.

Despite his availability, Marseille ultimately judged his profile unsuitable for the project and moved in for their former star Habib Beye.

Habib Beye during Olympique Marseille and Stade Rennais clash. Copyright: xWilliamxCannarellax

Beye chosen, Chelle stays put

The Ligue 1 club instead appointed a former Senegal international on Wednesday evening, which effectively puts an end to Chelle’s hopes of joining the club.

Meanwhile, Soccernet.ng understands that the former Mali international is eyeing another Ligue 1 club.

Eric Chelle of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Uyo, Nigeria. [Photo Credit/ ImagoxAkpan Nsidibe].

View: Can the NFF realistically afford Chelle’s demand?

Given the NFF’s history of delayed payments to players and staff, meeting a $130,000 monthly package would place significant strain on its finances.

With the federation largely dependent on government subventions and irregular sponsorship income, such a commitment would likely require fresh funding guarantees or a restructuring of existing contracts, which apparently makes Chelle’s request difficult to sustain under current conditions at the Nigeria Football Federation.