Super Eagles: Eric Chelle’s $100k contract renewal debunked amid Algeria interest
Retold by Oddsrama · 5 July 2026
Reports claiming Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle had signed a bumper new contract worth $100,000 a month have been flatly disputed. The story began last month when National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko announced that Chelle's deal had been renewed following Nigeria's third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. According to that claim, his salary had doubled from $50,000 to $100,000, and he'd also taken on oversight of the U-23 squad.
But respected journalist Oluwashina Okeleji has thrown water on those claims, reporting that negotiations between the Nigeria Football Federation and the Franco-Malian coach are still very much in progress. More significantly, Chelle's current contract doesn't actually expire until next January—meaning no extension has been formally completed despite what the NSC chairman suggested. The story raises serious questions about the accuracy of those earlier statements and whether officials were jumping the gun.
What makes this timing thorny is the competition circling Chelle. Algeria and Ivory Coast have both expressed interest in landing him after their disappointing exits from World Cup 2026 qualifying. Chelle has impressed since taking charge in January 2025, steering Nigeria to an AFCON bronze medal and racking up two Unity Cup wins in friendly outings, even though the Eagles missed out on Qatar. With AFCON 2027 qualifiers kicking off in September, the NFF faces a race against the clock to lock down their coach—and at the right price. If Chelle's camp senses uncertainty or delay, rival federations ready to pounce could influence where he ends up next.
Related stories
Oddsrama retells the day's football news in our own words, with full credit to the source. 18+. Play responsibly.