Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has justified his request for a salary increase, explaining that it is intended to improve his working conditions and not a threat to step down from his role.According to a leaked document, Chelle outlined several terms in discussions with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including a proposal to raise his monthly pay from $50,000 to $130,000 — an amount he said would also cover the wages of his backroom staff.
Reports had also linked the Malian tactician with French side Olympique de Marseille after Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. However, he was not appointed to the position, while the NFF stated that the 19 requests he submitted would be reviewed by its board before any decision is taken.Speaking on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, Chelle reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria, dismissing suggestions that he issued an ultimatum.
“I have never gone to Nigeria to say I was going to leave for Marseille or to renegotiate everything. There is no interview or statement where I said I would go to Marseille or that I was threatening anyone,” he said. “At the moment we’re speaking, I am still the coach of Nigeria. I have one year left on my contract. In fact, I recently held a virtual meeting with my technical crew to prepare the squad list for the March fixtures. So yes, I remain Nigeria’s coach.”
Clarifying the salary issue, the Franco-Malian manager noted that the proposed $130,000 figure is in dollars, not euros, and is meant to cater for his entire technical team. “What people don’t understand is that with the African national teams I’ve worked with, I pay my staff myself. Those individuals must be paid, and the request is simply to ensure the right environment for me to perform effectively,” he explained.
Among the reported 19 proposals are the provision of a private SUV with a driver and security personnel; housing in a secure location with reliable electricity; a furnished office equipped with a projector for tactical sessions; flight tickets for his wife and two children; supply of equipment according to his technical needs; input in arranging friendly matches; and full control over squad selection.
He is also said to be seeking structured access to domestic league games to scout players for the senior national team as well as the U-23, U-20 and U-17 squads. Additionally, his personal assistant is reportedly expected to be included in the team’s bonus and allowance structure. Chelle confirmed that his agency had approached Marseille about the coaching vacancy but insisted he was not personally involved in the move.
“I joined an agency to develop further as a coach. My representatives contacted some European clubs, especially in France. At that time, Marseille needed a manager, so they presented my profile. Beyond that, there was nothing more. Whether I was shortlisted or not, I had no direct contact,” he said. “As someone from the region and a supporter of the club, friends often ask if I’d be interested. Naturally, I would be. But I never requested that it be made public. With social media, the story simply escalated.”
Source: https://m.lindaikejisblog.com/
