WITH just 11 days to the kickoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, the Super Eagles’ preparations have been thrown into uncertainty as head coach Eric Chelle battles two critical issues, a looming squad submission deadline and reports that he is owed three months’ salary by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the 2025 AFCON runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with all 24 participating teams permitted to register 28 players.
CAF’s deadline for naming final squads is Thursday, December 11, while clubs are expected to release players no later than Monday, December 15.
Last Tuesday, the NFF released Chelle’s provisional 54-man squad, but concerns emerged Tuesday that the Franco-Malian tactician has yet to finalise his list partly due to an unfolding salary controversy.
According to journalist Shina Okeleji, Chelle is being owed three months’ salary and bonuses, though he has not formally lodged a complaint with the NFF.
“Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is owed three months’ salary and bonuses ahead of the AFCON,” Okeleji posted on X.
“The Malian, who led the Eagles to the 2026 World Cup play-off, has, however, yet to make an official complaint to his employers.”
A senior NFF official, speaking to this newspaper, confirmed the outstanding payments but insisted that the matter is already being addressed.
“Eric came to see us, and we explained the processes. His money will be paid. We have paid him even ahead before, and this time, we are waiting for cash backing from finance. The money on paper has been approved, and the coach is aware,”
the source said, expressing disappointment over the public attention the issue has drawn.
In May, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, disclosed that through a presidentially endorsed support group, the government secured funding to pay Chelle’s salary upfront until October—part of efforts to stabilise the national team during the World Cup qualifiers.
“We worked with the NFF to appoint the coach, and although the NFF signed his contract, we, through the support group, covered his salary until October. This gives the NFF room to secure long-term funding and sponsorship,” Dikko explained during an interview on Eagle 7 Sports Radio.
Chelle, appointed in January, oversaw Nigeria’s turbulent 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite reaching the African play-off, the Super Eagles fell to DR Congo on penalties, resulting in Nigeria missing consecutive World Cups for the first time in its history.
The upcoming AFCON represents Chelle’s third major assignment, and Nigeria will compete in Group C against Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The Super Eagles’ training camp opens Wednesday, December 10, in Egypt, where the team will play an unofficial friendly against the Pharaohs on December 16 as part of final preparations.
Nigeria begins its AFCON campaign on December 23 against Tanzania in Fès. Tunisia will face Uganda the same day in Rabat. The marquee Group C fixture, Nigeria vs Tunisia is scheduled for December 27, while the group’s final matches will hold simultaneously on December 31.
Nigeria, runners-up at the last tournament after losing 2–1 to Ivory Coast, are seeking their fourth continental title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
But for now, the spotlight remains squarely on Chelle his unpaid wages, his delayed team list, and the mounting pressure of a nation expecting AFCON glory.