Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has shed light on the contract negotiations between himself and the Nigeria Football Federation, clarifying reports surrounding his financial demands and conditions of service.
Chelle revealed that discussions about his contract began immediately after Nigeria’s match against Egypt national football team.
According to him, shortly after fulfilling a post-match media engagement, he was approached by officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Sports and the Director of Customs, who congratulated him and requested that he return to Nigeria to finalize contract talks.
Addressing reports about his salary, Chelle confirmed that the figure being discussed is $130,000 — not euros as previously speculated.
However, he explained that the amount must cover not just his personal earnings but also the salaries of his five-man technical crew.
“In Africa, the head coach often pays his own staff,” Chelle stated.
“From the $130,000 offered, I am responsible for my assistant coach, first assistant, physical trainer, goalkeeper coach, and personal assistant.
All these people must be paid from that structure.”
The coach emphasized that managing a national team as large and passionate as Nigeria — a country of over 250 million people — comes with immense pressure.
To cope with the demands of the job, he said he built a professional support system similar to what modern players maintain, including technical and mental performance support.
Chelle also addressed reports about additional requests, such as plane tickets for his family.
He explained that such provisions are standard in coaching contracts worldwide, especially as he intends to reside in Nigeria during his tenure.
“When you negotiate a contract, you aim for the best possible conditions to do your job,” he said.
“These are not excessive demands — they are professional requirements to work effectively.”
The coach confirmed that a formal letter outlining his terms was sent to the NFF through his mandated representative, who has been in Nigeria since the conclusion of the Africa Cup.
He maintained that the ongoing discussions are part of normal negotiations and insisted he remains fully committed to his role.
“As I told you, I am the Nigerian coach,” Chelle affirmed, while dismissing suggestions of internal tensions.
“Negotiation is normal. We are getting there.”
The NFF is yet to make an official statement on the status of the contract talks, but sources indicate discussions remain ongoing as both parties seek common ground ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international commitments.
The post Eric Chelle Opens Up on Contract Demands in Talks with NFF first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
