Photo by Nsidibe Akpan Copyright: xxIMAGO
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has spoken publicly about the leaked document containing details of his proposed contract extension talks with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Soccernet.ng reports.
In recent days, a confidential memo outlining Chelle’s conditions for continuing as Nigeria’s national team manager appeared across social media platforms, sparking intense debate among fans and analysts.
The leak came shortly after Nigeria finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, a result that convinced the NFF to open discussions over extending Chelle’s stay despite him still having about a year left on his existing contract.
As part of negotiations, the Franco-Malian coach submitted a detailed 19-point proposal covering technical structure, working conditions and financial terms.
However, public attention quickly focused on his request for an increase from a reported $50,000 monthly package to about $130,000, a figure that generated strong reactions across Nigeria’s football community.
Reacting to the situation, Chelle, who has also spoken about his Marseille link, admitted he was surprised the private negotiation documents became public.
“Today, the first question I ask myself is how these documents ended up in the media,” Chelle said in an interview.
“They are part of a negotiation, absolutely. There are many things in those requests.
“Look, if I’m being honest with you, I don’t really know. The first question I ask myself today is: how did these documents end up in the media?”
Super Eagles: Chelle explains agency decision
Chelle insists he neither leaked the document nor believes the NFF was responsible. That, according to him, leaves questions surrounding people previously involved in his professional representation.
The Super Eagles coach recently ended his relationship with his former agency before moving to Wilders Sport, a career decision he admits may not have pleased everyone.
“As a man and as a coach, you don’t have unanimous support,” Chelle noted.
“I know that through my actions, some people like me and others like me less. So I’m the Nigerian national team manager, and I decided to give a new direction to my career. I made a choice.”
He explained that changing agency was simply a professional step aimed at helping him grow and reach a higher level in his career.
“I analyzed the situation and told myself I need to put this structure around me that will allow me to reach the next level, with all the ambition that defines me, and with my vision of where I want to go.
“So maybe some people were hurt by that. If they think I disrespected them or undervalued their abilities no, not at all. I simply decided to choose another agency that I identified with more and that would allow me to take a few steps forward.
“I’m not saying it was those people who leaked these documents, but my first question remains: how did these documents get out?
While refusing to accuse anyone directly, Chelle maintained that the key issue remains how confidential negotiation papers reached the public domain.
The 48-year-old also defended his salary proposal, stressing that the requested increase would largely cover the salaries of his technical staff, expenses he says national team coaches in Africa often pay themselves.
“Now, when you look at the document and examine it carefully, in the end, what I asked for is nothing more than what I’m entitled to,” he added.
“But in reality, they are nothing more or less than requests to ensure I have the right conditions to do my job. When you talk about $130,000 first of all, those aren’t euros, they’re dollars. And what people don’t know is that in Africa, in the national teams I’ve been with, I have to pay my own technical staff.”
Chelle was appointed Super Eagles manager in January 2025 after impressing with Mali at AFCON, and despite the controversy, negotiations with the NFF are expected to continue as both sides look to build on Nigeria’s recent continental progress.