THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has maintained a worrying silence following News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has not received his salary for over four months, despite his impressive performance leading Nigeria closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Multiple inquiries, messages, and calls by News Point Nigeria Sports to NFF officials, including the Federation’s President, Ibrahim Gusau, have gone unanswered, fueling speculation and outrage among football stakeholders across the country.
According to a credible source within the Federation, Chelle, who was appointed earlier this year amid skepticism over his suitability has gone four consecutive months without pay, along with unpaid performance bonuses.
“This is a very sensitive period,” the source told News Point Nigeria Sports.
“Coach Chelle should be focused on refining tactics and preparing for the playoffs, not worrying about his salary. The NFF must act swiftly and fulfil its contractual obligation.”
The revelations have sparked widespread concern among football analysts and fans, many of whom have condemned the NFF’s handling of financial matters involving the national team’s technical staff.
A senior official at the Federal Ministry of Sports described the situation as “a national embarrassment,” especially given the coach’s commitment, calm demeanor, and results on the pitch.
“It’s shameful,” the official said. “You cannot demand world-class performances when you fail to honour world-class contracts. Chelle has delivered results; the least the NFF can do is pay him.”
Since taking charge, the 46-year-old Malian tactician has exceeded expectations, steering Nigeria to 14 points from a possible 18 in his last six matches.
Under his guidance, the Super Eagles have displayed renewed confidence, tactical balance, and mental toughness, culminating in a decisive 2–1 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday, a win that kept Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.
Chelle’s emphasis on team discipline, structured defending, and transitional play has drawn praise from both fans and former players. Many credit him for reviving a squad that previously struggled with inconsistency.
Efforts by News Point Nigeria Sports to reach Coach Chelle for comment were unsuccessful, but insiders close to him confirmed that frustration is growing within his camp.
The prolonged salary delay, they said, is beginning to affect morale among the backroom staff and could become a distraction ahead of crucial qualifying fixtures.
“The players respect him deeply, but situations like this can cause tension,” said a former NFF technical committee member. “The NFF should be proactive, not reactive.”
