The head coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Chelle, is standing by his appeal for a better contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), amid ongoing discussions and public scrutiny regarding the proposed figures.
Currently, the 48-year-old coach is reported to receive a monthly salary of $50,000. However, it has emerged that he has requested an increase to $130,000, a figure that has stirred controversy in the football community.
In a recent appearance on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, Chelle clarified that the amount of $130,000 is in US dollars, reiterating that it encompasses not just his salary but also the compensation for his entire coaching team.
He elaborated, stating that he is responsible for paying his technical staff, which includes an assistant coach, a physical trainer, a goalkeeper coach, and his personal aide.
"In Africa, as a national team coach, I must cover my staff's salaries from the agreed amount," Chelle explained. "There are five of us, and they all need to be compensated from this package."
Chelle emphasized the role his personal assistant plays in assisting him cope with the pressures of coaching a national team that represents over 200 million people.
"There is pressure. Sometimes, you can't manage it alone. So, I have established a structure around me to help manage that stress," he noted.
He reaffirmed that his discussions with the NFF are standard practice in contract negotiations. "When engaging in negotiations, do you aim for the highest or the lowest figure? It's all part of the negotiation process, and we are making progress," he stated.
Additionally, Chelle addressed the claims regarding his request for travel tickets for his family, pointing out that such amenities are typical in coaching contracts. He remarked that the logistics of relocating to Nigeria necessitate arrangements for his family's visitation, which incurs costs.
"These requirements are not unrealistic; they are simply conditions that enable me to perform my duties effectively," Chelle asserted.
He disclosed that a formal communication detailing the negotiation terms has been dispatched to the federation, and his representative remains in Nigeria to further advance discussions.
Since his appointment following the Africa Cup of Nations campaign, Chelle has expressed his dedication to his role, albeit acknowledging uncertainty over the ongoing public discourse regarding his position.
"I am the coach of Nigeria. I cannot ascertain whether there is a campaign against me or if there are those who wish to see me replaced. I just do not know," he concluded.
Negotiations between Chelle and the NFF are set to progress in the upcoming weeks.
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