As Nigeria prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation has stated that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle would soon receive his outstanding wages.
Reports circulated earlier this week suggesting the Malian strategist is owed three months’ salary and bonuses, just days before the AFCON begins on December 21 and runs until January 18, 2026.
Despite the concerns, Chelle has reportedly not filed a formal complaint with the NFF regarding the delay.
A senior NFF official who spoke on the matter confirmed that the payment is already being processed.
“Eric has met with us, and everything has been explained. His money is already approved on paper; we’re only waiting for the financial release. He knows this. We even paid him in advance previously, but nobody talked about that,” the official said.
This circumstance echoes comments made earlier in May by Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission, who claimed that a presidentially endorsed support group had paid Chelle’s salary in advance until October. The move, he explained, was intended to allow the NFF time to achieve long-term financial security and sponsorship for the national team.
AFCON Timeline Tightens
Chelle is expected to submit his tentative AFCON roster between now and Thursday, with CAF’s final squad deadline set for December 11. Clubs must release some players before December 15.
Nigeria has the option of naming 28 players for the tournament.
The Super Eagles will camp in Egypt beginning Wednesday, December 10, and are slated to meet the Pharaohs in an unofficial friendly on December 16.
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Group Fixtures
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group C, alongside:
Tunisia
Uganda
Tanzania
Their group-stage match schedule is as follows:
Dec 23: Nigeria vs Tanzania — Fès
Dec 27: Nigeria vs Tunisia — Fès
Dec 31: Uganda vs Nigeria — Fès
Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON after losing to hosts Ivory Coast, are chasing a fourth continental crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
