A senior Nigeria Football Federation official has assured that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will soon receive outstanding salaries and bonuses owed to him as the team prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Reports indicated Chelle was owed three months’ pay ahead of the tournament, which runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The NFF source said the coach has been briefed on the payment process and that the funds are being processed pending cash backing from finance.
“Eric came to see us, and we explained the processes. His money will be paid. The money on paper has been paid, and the coach is aware,” the official said.
Journalist Shina Okeleji had posted that Chelle, who led the Eagles to the 2026 World Cup play-off, had not formally lodged a complaint to the NFF over non-payment.
In May, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said the Commission and a presidentially endorsed support group had covered Chelle’s salary through October to stabilise the team during the World Cup qualification campaign. Chelle was appointed in January and guided Nigeria into the African play-off, where the Super Eagles lost on penalties to DR Congo.
AFCON 2025 will be Chelle’s third major assignment with Nigeria. The Super Eagles are in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania. Squad lists are due by Thursday, December 11, with the mandatory release date for clubs to make players available set for Monday, December 15. The Eagles’ camp opens on Wednesday, December 10, in Egypt, with a friendly against the Pharaohs scheduled for December 16.
Nigeria opens its AFCON campaign on December 23, 2025, against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès. Nigeria face Tunisia on December 27, and the final Group C matches are scheduled for December 31, played simultaneously.
