The revelations come at a critical moment, barely weeks before the national team begins preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Chelle, appointed earlier in the year after the abrupt resignation of Finidi George, is believed to have taken the job with a clear mandate: qualify Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and build a competitive team capable of winning AFCON.
Chelle, appointed earlier in the year after the abrupt resignation of Finidi George, is believed to have taken the job with a clear mandate: qualify Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and build a competitive team capable of winning AFCON.
However, his tenure has been overshadowed by administrative issues within the NFF, the latest of which is the alleged non-payment of wages.
NFF’s Financial Crisis Out in the Open
Multiple reports indicate that the Franco-Malian manager is being owed at least two months’ salary, with each month valued at approximately $50,000.
NFF’s Financial Crisis Out in the Open
Multiple reports indicate that the Franco-Malian manager is being owed at least two months’ salary, with each month valued at approximately $50,000.
His assistants are also reportedly facing the same situation. Though salary delays are not new within the federation, the timing of this crisis is especially troubling for a team gearing up for a major continental tournament.
According to insider sources, Chelle handled Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho, Benin Republic, Gabon and the double-header against DR Congo without receiving any payment.
According to insider sources, Chelle handled Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho, Benin Republic, Gabon and the double-header against DR Congo without receiving any payment.
The coach is said to have expressed frustration privately and even stayed away from camp briefly when players themselves were embroiled in a separate bonus dispute.
Chelle’s struggles with the federation follow Nigeria’s bitter failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Despite improving the team’s performances after taking over from Finidi George, Nigeria fell short in the playoff final, losing on penalties to DR Congo on November 13.
Before Chelle’s arrival, the Super Eagles had collected only three points from their opening four qualification matches.
Chelle’s struggles with the federation follow Nigeria’s bitter failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Despite improving the team’s performances after taking over from Finidi George, Nigeria fell short in the playoff final, losing on penalties to DR Congo on November 13.
Before Chelle’s arrival, the Super Eagles had collected only three points from their opening four qualification matches.
Under his leadership, the team improved drastically — recording four wins and two draws, including an impressive 4-1 victory over Benin Republic and a commanding 4-0 win against Gabon.
Nigeria finished second in Group C behind South Africa, who secured the sole automatic World Cup ticket.
Nigeria finished second in Group C behind South Africa, who secured the sole automatic World Cup ticket.
While many praised Chelle for steadying the ship, the failure to qualify put pressure on the NFF, leading to speculation that the federation was considering replacing him with Augustine Eguavoen. The idea was reportedly resisted by key figures within Nigerian football.
Despite financial tensions, Chelle met with the NFF Technical Committee on December 1 and presented a 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON, which will be hosted in Morocco.
Despite financial tensions, Chelle met with the NFF Technical Committee on December 1 and presented a 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON, which will be hosted in Morocco.
His squad list includes a blend of experienced Super Eagles stars and emerging talents.
The AFCON camp was initially scheduled to open on December 8, but FIFA’s updated regulations now allow foreign-based players to join their national teams from December 15.
The AFCON camp was initially scheduled to open on December 8, but FIFA’s updated regulations now allow foreign-based players to join their national teams from December 15.
Chelle reportedly plans to give young, dynamic players an opportunity to prove themselves while maintaining continuity with trusted veterans.
However, sports analysts warn that the salary crisis could undermine morale ahead of the tournament. Nigeria, three-time African champions, are seeking their fourth title after failing to qualify for the World Cup — a disappointment many fans want the team to redeem in Morocco.
The revelations have sparked outrage among Nigerian football lovers, who blame recurring administrative setbacks for the national team’s struggles.
However, sports analysts warn that the salary crisis could undermine morale ahead of the tournament. Nigeria, three-time African champions, are seeking their fourth title after failing to qualify for the World Cup — a disappointment many fans want the team to redeem in Morocco.
The revelations have sparked outrage among Nigerian football lovers, who blame recurring administrative setbacks for the national team’s struggles.
Critics argue that poor planning, unpaid wages, and internal disputes are harming team chemistry at a time when unity is essential.
In a separate development, journalist Rufai Oseni of Arise TV came under fire for comments he made regarding the players’ strike over unpaid bonuses. Nigerian fans accused him of being insensitive to the harsh realities within the camp.
In a separate development, journalist Rufai Oseni of Arise TV came under fire for comments he made regarding the players’ strike over unpaid bonuses. Nigerian fans accused him of being insensitive to the harsh realities within the camp.
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