Lawal questions NFF ability to sustain Chelle’s $100k salary

Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal has raised concerns over the Nigeria Football Federation’s ability to consistently meet the $100,000 monthly salary agreed with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle following the extension of his contract, while former Eagles boss Finidi George has warned that overloading Chelle with dual responsibilities could be counterproductive.

Chelle, who joined the Super Eagles in January 2025 on an initial two-year deal, has seen his contract extended until 2030 by the National Sports Commission. The Franco-Malian, who originally earned $50,000 per month inclusive of his assistants’ wages, had requested $130,000 per month in negotiations. The agreed figure of $100,000 represents a significant increase, with the NFF now separately responsible for the contracts of his backroom staff. He has also been handed oversight of the U-23 side ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers.

Chelle steadied Nigeria during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, recording four wins and two draws to reach the play-offs, where they defeated Gabon before falling to DR Congo. He also guided the team to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Lawal acknowledged the merits of the appointment but expressed reservations about the financial commitment.

“This is very good for Nigeria. Eric Chelle can call up players who perform very well in the Olympics. I only fear that Nigeria cannot sustain that $100,000 payment,” Lawal told Brila.

Finidi, who took charge of the Super Eagles briefly after Jose Peseiro’s departure before resigning, was equally sceptical about the decision to task Chelle with both the senior team and the Olympic side simultaneously.

“Super Eagles is already stress enough for him. Do not add more stress to it because you are paying him $100,000. Tell him your expectations and target on the Super Eagles and let him concentrate on that. Let him get this job done. There are other Nigerian coaches that can do it. Let them improve. There should be a division of labour,” the former Ajax winger said.

Chelle’s immediate task will be overseeing the Super Eagles’ preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which are due to begin in September.