NFF denies claims of owing Chelle two months’ salary, calls out NSC
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has rejected reports alleging that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is being owed two months’ salary ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelle, appointed in January with clear performance targets, World Cup qualification and a semi-final berth at AFCON, guided Nigeria from fourth to second in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, finishing one point behind South Africa.
He then steered the team through the playoffs, beating Gabon before losing to DR Congo on penalties.
Payment responsibility lies elsewhere
The NFF insists it bears no responsibility for Chelle’s wages. According to OwnGoal, an official clarified that salary matters fall under the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Shehu Dikko.
The official also corrected circulating rumours, noting that Chelle is owed two months, not three.
“The NFF is not responsible for paying Chelle. The NSC handles that, so they should explain why he hasn’t been paid for October and November,” the official said.
Wider context around financial concerns
This comes after Super Eagles players protested unpaid allowances dating back to 2019 before the World Cup playoff campaign.
Despite the turbulence, Chelle earned a reprieve from the NFF Technical Committee following his strong performances in both qualifying phases, prompting a renewed mandate for AFCON 2025.
The coach has yet to publicly confirm or dispute reports of his outstanding salary.
