NFF Vows to Clear Chelle’s Unpaid Wages Before AFCON
A senior official of the Nigeria Football Federation says Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will receive his outstanding wages soon as preparations intensify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Reports indicate the coach is owed three months’ salary and bonuses ahead of the tournament scheduled for December 21 to January 18, 2026.
Nigeria and the other 23 participating teams can name up to 28 players, with Chelle’s squad list expected between today and Thursday, ahead of the December 11 deadline. Clubs are required to release selected players by December 15.
Journalist Shina Okeleji earlier reported that Chelle had not filed an official complaint despite the backlog. In response, an NFF official confirmed the coach has been briefed and assured of imminent payment.
According to the official, Chelle’s salary has been processed pending cash backing from the finance authorities, noting that the federation had previously paid him ahead of schedule without public attention.
In May, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko said a presidentially endorsed support group had funded Chelle’s salary up to October to help steady Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup campaign while the NFF worked to secure long-term sponsorship.
Chelle, appointed in January, oversaw Nigeria’s unsuccessful 2026 World Cup qualifying run, which ended with a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African playoff final.
The Super Eagles will open camp on December 10 in Egypt, with a friendly lined up against the Pharaohs on December 16. Nigeria begins its AFCON campaign on December 23 against Tanzania in Fès, with Tunisia and Uganda also in Group C. The group’s key fixture—Nigeria vs Tunisia—comes up on December 27.
Nigeria, runners-up at the previous AFCON, are aiming for a fourth title, having won in 1980, 1994, and 2013. The 2025 tournament will be Chelle’s third major assignment with the national team.
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