Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is at the center of a significant controversy involving his future with the Nigerian national team, his ambitions in French club football, and substantial salary demands. His hopes of securing a managerial position at Olympique Marseille recently came to an end after the club opted to appoint Habib Beye as Roberto De Zerbi’s replacement, a decision influenced by Chelle's limited top-flight managerial experience.

Following the snub from Marseille, Chelle has reportedly shifted his focus to another Ligue 1 opportunity, eyeing FC Nantes. According to Topmercato, he is positioning himself for a potential move to the club should Ahmed Kantari be relieved of his duties due to a poor run of results that has left the Canaries dangerously close to the relegation zone. Independent journalist Romain Molina claims Chelle has already made himself available for the role, keen to return to France despite his lack of prior Ligue 1 management experience.

Beyond his club aspirations, Chelle's future with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been critically examined after reports revealed he submitted a 19-point proposal on January 22, 2026, requesting a significant increase in his monthly earnings. The core of this proposal was a demand to raise his salary from the current $50,000 to $130,000 per month. This amount was intended to cover his salary as well as that of his full technical crew and personal assistant. This demand represents a 160% pay rise and is nearly three times his current earnings.

The NFF reportedly rejected this proposal, deeming Chelle's demands excessive, especially in light of existing financial constraints and ongoing debates about coach remuneration in Nigerian football. This rejection reportedly fueled speculation about his willingness to return to club management and led to him pursuing opportunities abroad, including the Marseille role. To strengthen his candidacy for the Marseille job, Chelle even parted ways with his long-time agent, Sidibe Abraham Brehima, and signed with Wilders Sport, a common move for professionals preparing for a new position.

The 19-point proposal also included specific conditions beyond salary, such as a private SUV with a chauffeur and security, business class flights for himself and his wife, a secured residence with 24-hour electricity, and most controversially, the inclusion of his Personal Assistant within the national team's bonus and allowance structure. While individually not unprecedented in elite football, these demands, presented against a backdrop of unmet targets, have raised serious questions within the federation.

Despite leading Nigeria to a bronze medal finish at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (defeating Egypt in the third-place playoff) and employing an ultra-attacking style, Chelle had specific contractual mandates, including qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and reaching the final of the 2025 AFCON. The Super Eagles fell short, exiting at the semi-finals of the 2025 AFCON and losing the intercontinental playoffs final on penalties to DR Congo. Chelle remains under contract with the NFF until January 2027, having signed a two-year deal on January 7, 2025.

The market context further complicates the NFF's decision. Other national federations, such as Angola and Tunisia, have reportedly shown interest in Chelle, with Angola submitting an improved bid and both reportedly prepared to offer around $100,000 per month. This external valuation puts pressure on the NFF to consider a competitive offer.

Public opinion in Nigeria is divided. Critics point to the unmet targets and the