Nigeria’s football authorities are set for fresh talks with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as uncertainty grows over his future in charge, Footy-Africa can exclusively report.
Officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission are expected to meet the Franco-Malian tactician soon for a crunch talk over the his future.
A reliable source close to the NFF told Footy-Africa that the meeting could hold in Turkey, where the team is currently camped ahead of international friendlies or elsewhere.
Chelle, who has six months remaining on his contract, is yet to agree terms on an extension with the federation, with negotiations complicated by financial constraints.
“We want clarity on his plans and expectations before moving forward,” a source close to the discussions said.
The 46-year-old coach is understood to have requested a new deal worth around $150,000 per month, more than double his current salary and alongside a series of additional conditions.
However, sources indicate the NFF may struggle to meet those demands due to budgetary limitations.
“There is willingness to improve his contract, but there are financial realities we must consider,” the official revealed to Footy-Africa.
The federation is reportedly prepared to increase Chelle’s pay and accommodate some of his requests, but is unlikely to exceed $100,000 monthly.
Should negotiations fail, the NFF is expected to begin the search for a new head coach, with a preference for a foreign appointment rather than a domestic option.
Chelle guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, strengthening his position but also raising expectations ahead of future tournaments.
NFF yet to respond to reported Chelle’s new demands amid contract negotiations
With preparations already underway for the next AFCON cycle, the coming talks could prove decisive in determining the direction of one of Africa’s most prominent national teams.
