Nigeria Football Federation moves to clear Eric Chelle’s unpaid wages before AFCON 2025

The Nigeria Football Federation is expected to clear all outstanding wages of coach Eric Chelle before the commencement of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 35^th edition of the continental showpiece has been scheduled to take place in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026, with 24 countries is expected to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

Per reports, the former Malian coach is owed three months’ salary and unpaid bonuses, sparking concerns ahead of the continental showpiece in the North African country.

However, the Nigeria FA has moved to settle the debt in an attempt to get the best out of the coach at the AFCON.

Chelle, appointed in January after Augustine Eguavoen’s exit, has brought renewed belief to the team. He has not lost a competitive match in regulation time and his calm leadership has helped steady the squad, even as administrative problems continue to appear.

As reported by The Punch, the delay in payment was due to financial processing and not abandonment. Chelle previously received advance payments and that the pending salaries had been approved, with disbursement awaiting treasury clearance.

In May, the National Sports Commission also funded his salary upfront until October under a presidential support arrangement, which has now ended.

With Nigeria set to name its 28-man AFCON squad before the December 11 deadline, the NFF has stressed that resolving the salary issue is key to ensuring smooth preparations.

The Super Eagles will camp in Egypt before opening their campaign against Tanzania on December 23.