Eric Chelle has opened up in detail about the contract demands he submitted to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), clarifying that the widely discussed 130,000 figure relates to dollars, not euros, and explaining why the amount must cover his entire technical structure.
Speaking about the situation following a match against Egypt national football team, Chelle recounted that shortly after the game, officials including representatives from Nigeria’s Ministry of Sports and the Director of Customs congratulated him and requested discussions about his contract. He indicated that although he did not publicly reveal the full details at the time, he was asked to return to Nigeria promptly to negotiate terms.
Salary Clarification and Staff Responsibilities
Addressing speculation around his salary, Chelle stressed that the proposed 130,000 is in US dollars, not euros as previously reported in some quarters. More importantly, he explained that in many African national team roles, the head coach is responsible for paying his own backroom staff from the agreed salary.
He revealed that his technical team consists of five members — including his first assistant, physical trainer, goalkeeper coach, and personal assistant. According to him, these professionals are essential to delivering results at the highest level, and their salaries must be covered within the negotiated package.
Chelle emphasized that managing a national team of Nigeria’s size and profile requires a strong support system. He noted that Nigeria, with a population of about 250 million people, brings immense public pressure, far greater than in many European countries. He compared it to France’s population of around 65 million, highlighting the scale of expectations that come with leading such a football powerhouse.
To cope with the intense scrutiny and performance demands, he explained that he deliberately built a professional structure around himself — similar to modern players who employ personal coaches, fitness trainers, and mental conditioning experts. He said these individuals play a crucial role in helping him manage stress and maintain peak performance as a national team coach.
Negotiation Process and “Basic Demands”
Chelle described his requests as standard elements of contract negotiations rather than excessive demands. He pointed out that negotiations naturally involve pushing for the best possible conditions to enable success.
Among the items discussed were travel arrangements for his family. He stated that if he is expected to reside in Nigeria, provisions for family visits are essential. With children involved, flight tickets can be costly, and he maintained that such requests are common practice among national team selectors worldwide.
According to Chelle, these requests are not luxuries but necessary conditions to allow him to focus fully on his responsibilities. He insisted that everything outlined in the documents forms part of a normal contractual negotiation process.
Uncertainty Over His Futurr
Chelle also confirmed that a formal letter detailing the terms was sent to the NFF by the representative mandated to handle negotiations since the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations. He disclosed that this representative remains in Nigeria as talks continue.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Chelle stated that he still considers himself the head coach of Nigeria. However, he acknowledged uncertainty about the direction of events, suggesting that there may be external narratives or internal dynamics he is not fully aware of.
He hinted at the possibility of negative campaigns or reluctance from decision-makers to communicate their intentions directly. Nevertheless, he maintained that his focus remains on fulfilling his duties professionally.
Bigger Picture
The revelations shed light on the complex financial and administrative realities of coaching at international level, particularly in African football. Beyond the headline salary figures, the responsibility of financing an entire technical team, managing public pressure, and maintaining family stability all play a role in contract negotiations.
As discussions between Eric Chelle and the Nigeria Football Federation continue, attention will remain fixed on whether both parties can reach a final agreement that satisfies sporting ambitions and administrative expectations.
For now, Chelle’s message is clear — his demands are part of standard negotiations aimed at creating the right environment to succeed as Nigeria’s national team coach.
