New details have emerged regarding the salary the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) will pay Eric Chelle, the newly appointed Super Eagles coach, according to Nations Sports.
The NFF officially named Chelle as the Super Eagles’ head coach, following a recommendation by the federation’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
Chelle, a former coach of the Mali national football team, replaces Austin Eguavoen, who served as interim coach. With this appointment, Chelle becomes the fourth Super Eagles coach in just 12 months.
Notably, Chelle is the first non-Nigerian African to take on the role, sparking a range of reactions from supporters.
Our correspondent learned that the French-Malian coach agreed to a short-term contract, which will cover the 2026 World Cup qualifiers through October 2025, with a monthly salary of $50,000 (N85 million).
It was also learnt that the 47-year-old former coach of Mali will be coming with two assistants that will earn $5,000 per month.
The Super Eagles’ current form in World Cup qualifying has been less than ideal, with a winless start—three draws and one loss in their first four games of Group C.
They are four points behind group leaders Rwanda and will face crucial matches in March, including an away game against Rwanda and a home fixture against Zimbabwe.
Expectations were for a high-profile foreign coach to take charge of a team that boasts top talents such as reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and 2023 winner Victor Osimhen.
This decision follows unsuccessful negotiations with high-profile coaches such as Herve Renard, Janne Andersson, and Bruno Labbadia, with issues such as tax problems affecting the latter’s deal.
Despite mixed reactions to Chelle’s appointment, the hope is that he can help lead Nigeria to better results in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
