Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has dismissed claims that he accepted the Nigeria job for financial gain, insisting he was already earning more in his previous role before making the switch.
Eric Chelle, who was appointed in January after leaving Algerian side MC Oran, reportedly earns $50,000 per month with the Nigerian national team. But according to him, his decision to take the role was driven purely by ambition, not money.
“When I came to Nigeria, I didn’t come here because of money. I was earning more in my last job,” Chelle told UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana during a chat at the 2024 CHAN tournament in Tanzania.
“I came to Nigeria because this is a very big team and I want to prove something, to achieve something. I came here for the challenge. Nothing has changed about that.”
The Franco-Malian tactician previously handled Mali, guiding them to the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast, where they lost 2-1 to the hosts despite leading until the final minutes of normal time.
Since taking charge of the Super Eagles, Chelle has overseen two competitive games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, recording one win and one draw.
However, his short reign has already faced criticism after Nigeria’s disappointing outing at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The home-based Eagles were knocked out in the group stage, losing 1-0 to Senegal, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Sudan, before salvaging pride with a 2-0 win over Congo.
The underwhelming performance sparked speculation over his future, but Chelle insists he is fully aware of the volatile nature of football management.
“I have heard a lot of stories about them wanting to sack me and replace me with someone else. I have heard about that,” he said.
“I know, quite well, that I can be fired after one match. This is life in football. But if they decide to do that, they must be prepared to pay up the remainder of my contract.”
The coach also revealed he has had limited communication with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership since taking charge.
“I have not had very much contact with the NFF president and the general secretary since I took charge of the team. We met at the very beginning, of course, and a few times afterwards. But I have been alone, largely, as I go on with doing my job,” Chelle said.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign will resume in September with a home clash against Rwanda in Uyo, before travelling to South Africa for a crucial tie in Bloemfontein. The qualifiers wrap up in October, ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which kicks off in December 2025.
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