Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is facing intense scrutiny as reports confirm that Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, is currently due three months of unpaid salary and outstanding bonuses.
This revelation emerges just weeks before the national squad is set to commence crucial preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Chelle, the Malian tactician, successfully guided Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff round, where they narrowly missed out against DR Congo. Despite his performance on the pitch and the mounting financial backlog, the coach has reportedly maintained professionalism, opting not to file an official complaint against the NFF.
The prolonged delay in emoluments has sparked serious concern among football stakeholders and observers, particularly with national pride heavily invested in the upcoming AFCON. While the financial dispute casts a shadow, Chelle remains steadfastly committed to his duties, with his professionalism being cited as crucial during this critical period of intensifying national team preparations.
As expectations soar among Nigerian supporters for a strong showing at AFCON, the NFF has yet to release an official statement addressing the significant wage arrears. The Federation’s silence is intensifying pressure to resolve the crisis involving the team’s leader before the tournament kickoff.
