With just eleven days to the kickoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle is grappling with a dual challenge: finalising Nigeria’s squad while navigating an ongoing dispute over unpaid salaries with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The tournament, set to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will see Nigeria compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Like all participating nations, Nigeria is allowed to submit a squad of up to 28 players. CAF has set Thursday, December 11, as the deadline for final squad submissions, while clubs are required to release players by Monday, December 15.
Provisional Squad Released, Final Decisions Loom
Last Tuesday, the NFF published Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad, signaling the start of the tense countdown to the final selection. However, the looming squad deadline is not Chelle’s only concern. Reports indicate the Franco-Malian coach is owed three months of salary and bonuses.
“Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is owed three months’ salary and bonuses ahead of the AFCON,” despite this, Chelle has not lodged any formal complaint with the NFF.
In response, a senior NFF official stated, “Eric came to see us, and we explained the processes. His money will be paid. We have paid him in advance before, and this time, we are waiting for cash backing from finance. The money on paper has been paid, and the coach is aware.”
Financial Backing and Institutional Support
The salary dispute reflects broader efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s football management. Earlier in 2025, the National Sports Commission, under Chairman Shehu Dikko, facilitated upfront payment of Chelle’s salary until October through a presidentially endorsed support group.
This arrangement aimed to allow the NFF sufficient time to secure long-term funding and sponsorship, particularly as Nigeria pursued qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
“We worked with the NFF to appoint the coach, and although the NFF signed his contract, we decided to cover his salary until October,” Dikko explained, emphasizing that the initiative was meant to support the Super Eagles’ stability and performance.
Chelle’s AFCON Challenge
Chelle, appointed in January 2025, led Nigeria through an ill-fated 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, narrowly reaching the African play-off before losing to DR Congo on penalties. The upcoming AFCON marks his third major assignment with Nigeria.
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Nigeria’s camp is set to open on December 10 in Egypt, where they have scheduled an unofficial pre-tournament friendly against Egypt on December 16.
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Group C Fixtures:
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Dec 23: Nigeria vs Tanzania (Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès)
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Dec 23: Tunisia vs Uganda (Stade Annexe, Rabat)
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Dec 27: Nigeria vs Tunisia (Fès) — key clash
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Dec 27: Uganda vs Tanzania (Rabat)
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Dec 31: Uganda vs Nigeria (Fès) and Tunisia vs Tanzania (Rabat)
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Chelle’s AFCON Prospects
Nigeria opens its pre-tournament camp on December 10 in Egypt and has scheduled an unofficial friendly against the Pharaohs on December 16. The team’s AFCON campaign kicks off against Tanzania on December 23 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with Tunisia facing Uganda simultaneously in Rabat. The pivotal Group C clash between Nigeria and Tunisia is slated for December 27 in Fès, while the final group matches — Uganda vs Nigeria and Tunisia vs Tanzania — will be played simultaneously on December 31.
Stakes for the Super Eagles
Nigeria, runners-up in the previous AFCON after losing 2–1 to Ivory Coast, is chasing a fourth continental title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013. For Chelle and his squad, success hinges on focus, preparation, and internal stability — challenges made more complex by ongoing financial disputes.
While the NFF has assured prompt payment to the coach, the coming days will be crucial. A resolution could allow Chelle to concentrate fully on team selection and strategy, ensuring Nigeria enters AFCON 2025 with both morale and performance at their peak.
