THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by its President Ibrahim Gusau, is reportedly indebted to Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, to the tune of four months’ unpaid salary and outstanding bonuses despite the coach’s stellar performance in guiding Nigeria to the brink of World Cup qualification.
A credible source within the Federation, who spoke to News Point Nigeria Sports, said Chelle, who was appointed earlier this year amid widespread skepticism, has not received his wages for four consecutive months.
The revelation has sparked outrage among football stakeholders who fear that the financial neglect could undermine the coach’s focus and morale ahead of the crucial World Cup playoffs.
The 46-year-old Malian tactician has defied expectations since taking charge of the national team, steering the Super Eagles to an impressive 14 points from a possible 18 in his last six matches.
His tactical brilliance and disciplined approach have transformed the team’s performance, culminating in a decisive victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday, a result that kept Nigeria’s World Cup dreams alive.
“This is a very sensitive period,” another source familiar with the issue told News Point Nigeria.
“Coach Chelle should be focused on fine-tuning strategies and analyzing potential playoff opponents, not worrying about how to meet his financial obligations.
“The NFF must act immediately and pay him what he is owed.”
Efforts by News Point Nigeria to reach Coach Chelle for comment proved unsuccessful, but sources close to him confirmed that the delay in payment has caused growing frustration within his camp.
A senior official at the ministry of sports described the NFF’s failure to meet its contractual obligations as a national embarrassment, especially given the coach’s consistent results and professional conduct since his appointment.
“It’s shameful,” said another insider. “We can’t expect world-class performances when we treat our coaches this way.”
Chelle’s impressive run has earned him respect among players and fans alike, many of whom credit his tactical discipline and man-management for the team’s resurgence.
The official warn, however, that if the issue is not resolved quickly, it could dampen morale and cast a shadow over Nigeria’s preparation for the high-stakes playoff ties.
As Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign enters its defining phase, calls are growing louder for the NFF to honor its financial commitments.
For now, fans can only hope that the Federation resolves the issue swiftly before it threatens to derail the Super Eagles’ hard-fought momentum on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.