Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has dismissed claims that he accepted the Nigeria national team job for financial reasons, insisting he was earning more in his previous role.
Chelle, who was appointed in January after leaving Algerian side MC Oran where he had a two-year contract, is reportedly on a $50,000 monthly salary with Nigeria.
Speaking to UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana at the 2024 CHAN tournament in Tanzania, the Franco-Malian admitted he is aware of speculations about his future.
“I have heard a lot of stories about them wanting to sack me and replace me with someone else. I know, quite well, that I can be fired after one match. This is life in football. But if they decide to do that, they must be prepared to pay up the remainder of my contract,” Chelle said.
He stressed that money was never his motivation.
“When I came to Nigeria, I didn’t come here because of money. I was earning more in my last job. I came because this is a very big team, and I want to prove something, to achieve something. I came here for the challenge. Nothing has changed about that.”
Chelle also revealed his limited interaction with top Nigeria Football Federation officials since his appointment.
“I have not had much contact with the NFF president and the general secretary since I took charge of the team. We met at the very beginning, of course, and a few times afterwards. But I have been alone, largely, as I go on with doing my job.”
The Super Eagles coach is expected to announce his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the coming days.
