All things being equal, the Nigeria Football Federation may have to offer Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle a monthly salary of $100,000 following ongoing contract negotiations with Franco-Malian tactician.
Fresh details about the discussions were disclosed to our correspondent by a highly placed source within the federation, who said the football body was prepared to review Chelle’s existing contract and accept some of the conditions he had proposed.
However, the source insisted that the federation cannot go beyond the $100,000 monthly ceiling for the Malian coach.
Chelle currently earns $50,000 per month but has requested a new contract worth $130,000 monthly, a figure he said would also cover the salaries of members of his technical staff.
“We are open to reviewing Eric Chelle’s current contract and willing to meet some of the terms he has proposed,” the source said.
“The Federal Government and NFF want continuity. If he lowers his demand, we want him to stay, but we are not prepared to offer more than $100,000 per month.”
The source also revealed that if Chelle insists on the higher salary figure, the federation could begin searching for another foreign coach to take charge of the national team.
According to the source, the possibility of appointing a local coach has already been ruled out should negotiations with the current manager collapse.
“Even if Chelle declines the proposed terms, the NFF is not considering appointing a local coach and would instead look abroad for a replacement,” the source added.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the federation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. Calls and messages sent to NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi had not been responded to.
Chelle had earlier defended his request for an improved contract, saying the proposed increase from $50,000 to $130,000 per month is meant to improve his working conditions and cover the salaries of his technical staff.
The Franco-Malian coach, who has also been linked with interest from Olympique Marseille and several African national teams, has denied threatening to leave the Nigeria national football team and insisted he remains committed to his role.
Speaking on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, Chelle said he still has one year left on his contract and continues to work with his staff, including preparing the squad list for upcoming matches.
He also clarified that his salary proposal reflects the financial responsibility he bears for his technical crew.
“When you talk about $130,000, first of all it’s not euros, it’s dollars. And what people don’t know is that in Africa, with the national teams I’ve worked with, I have to pay my technical staff myself. So all those people have to be paid and those requests are simply to ensure I have the right conditions to do my job.”
His reported requests to the NFF include improved working conditions such as accommodation, official transport, better technical facilities and greater input in team preparation and scouting.
Meanwhile, Chelle is expected to announce his squad for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies during the next FIFA window.
Credit: punchng.com
