Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, will soon receive his outstanding salaries as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a senior Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official has confirmed.
Reports recently revealed that the NFF owed Chelle three months’ salary and bonuses ahead of the tournament, scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. With teams permitted to name up to 28 players for the finals, Chelle is expected to release his provisional squad list between today and Thursday. The official squad deadline is Thursday, December 11, while clubs must release players by Monday, December 15.
Journalist Shina Okeleji noted on X that despite being owed, Chelle has not lodged any formal complaint with the NFF.
Responding to the situation, an NFF official assured that the coach’s payment is already being processed.
“Eric came to see us, and we explained the procedures. His money will be paid. We’ve even paid him ahead before, and this time we’re only waiting for cash backing from finance. On paper, the payment has been approved, and the coach is aware,” the official explained.
He added that past advance payments to Chelle did not receive similar public attention.
Earlier in May, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, disclosed that a presidentially endorsed support group had provided funds for Chelle’s salary up to October to help stabilise Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. Dikko said the arrangement gave the NFF time to secure long-term funding and sponsorship.
Chelle, appointed in January, oversaw Nigeria’s ultimately unsuccessful World Cup qualifying journey. After reaching the African play-offs, the Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties, marking a second consecutive World Cup miss.
AFCON 2025 will be Chelle’s third major assignment with Nigeria. The Super Eagles will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Nigeria’s training camp opens Wednesday, December 10, in Egypt. An informal friendly against Egypt’s Pharaohs is scheduled for December 16.
The Super Eagles begin their AFCON campaign on December 23 against Tanzania in Fès. Tunisia and Uganda will meet the same day in Rabat. Nigeria’s biggest group-stage showdown comes on December 27 against Tunisia, while the final round of Group C fixtures will be played simultaneously on December 31.
Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON after a 2–1 loss to Ivory Coast, will be aiming for their fourth continental title, having previously won in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
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