NFF Moves to Clear Eric Chelle’s Unpaid Salary Before AFCON 2025

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has assured fans that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will receive his outstanding wages before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The clarification follows days of public concern after reports revealed the Malian coach is owed three months’ salary and unpaid bonuses.

Chelle, appointed in January after Augustine Eguavoen’s exit, has brought renewed belief to the team. He has not lost a competitive match in regulation time and his calm leadership has helped steady the squad, even as administrative problems continue to appear.

Senior NFF officials told The Punch that the delay was due to “financial processing” and not abandonment. They explained that Chelle previously received advance payments and that the pending salaries had been approved, with disbursement awaiting treasury clearance. In May, the National Sports Commission also funded his salary upfront until October under a presidential support arrangement, which has now ended.

With Nigeria set to name its 28-man AFCON squad before the December 11 deadline, the NFF says resolving the salary issue is key to ensuring smooth preparations. The Super Eagles will camp in Egypt before opening their campaign against Tanzania on December 23.