The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to quell growing administrative unease, offering a firm assurance that the outstanding emoluments of Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle will be paid in full prior to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. This official statement comes in the wake of public scrutiny following reports that the coach is owed a substantial three months’ salary and various performance bonuses.
The financial saga, which became public earlier this week, cast a shadow over the NFF’s fiscal governance. Despite Chelle maintaining a professional silence, the news sparked serious questions regarding the federation’s impact on team stability. A high-ranking NFF official clarified that the delay was procedural, stressing that the approved payments are merely awaiting final treasury clearance, and not a matter of deliberate neglect.
This resolution is crucial as the NFF seeks to overcome a chaotic 2024, characterized by high-profile managerial instability. The brief and turbulent tenures of Finidi George and Augustine Eguavoen immediately preceded Chelle’s appointment. The situation was further complicated by the revelation that the National Sports Commission had subsidized Chelle’s salary until October via a special presidential fund—a temporary measure that has now expired, returning full financial burden to the federation.
Despite the persistent off-field distraction, the Malian coach has been a beacon of stability, maintaining an unbeaten record in competitive regulation time and earning praise for his composed leadership.
