Super Eagles: Why I deserve pay rise – Eric Chelle
Super Eagles: Why I deserve pay rise – Eric Chelle
Head coach of Nigeria’s senior national team, Eric Chelle, has defended his request for a significant salary increase amid public criticism over the proposed new deal.
The Malian tactician is reportedly seeking a pay rise from $50,000 to $130,000 monthly, a development that has generated widespread debate among football stakeholders and supporters across the country.
Speaking during an appearance on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, Chelle explained that the proposed amount was not solely for his personal earnings but would also cover salaries for members of his technical and support staff.
According to him, coaches working with African national teams are often responsible for paying their assistants and backroom personnel from their contractual earnings.
He disclosed that his support structure includes a first assistant coach, a physical trainer, a goalkeeper trainer and a personal assistant, stressing that managing the pressure associated with leading the Nigeria national football team requires adequate professional backing.
Chelle noted that the expectations placed on the coach of a country with a population exceeding 250 million people come with enormous pressure, which makes it necessary to build a reliable team around himself.
He added that modern football professionals, including players, now maintain personal support systems such as fitness and mental coaches, insisting that national team coaches also require similar structures to perform effectively.
The coach further described the ongoing contract discussions as part of a normal negotiation process, stating that his representatives were simply aiming to secure the best possible terms while talks with the Nigeria Football Federation continue.
