Super Eagles: Nigeria will regret it – Gara-Gombe warns NFF against handing Chelle $130,000 salary
Naija News • Feb 23
**"Will Nigeria's Football Federation Make a Mistake with Chelle's Contract Renewal?"**
The recent news about the potential contract renewal of Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has sparked heated debates among football fans in Nigeria. With reports suggesting that Chelle is seeking a whopping $130,000 monthly salary, many are questioning whether this is a wise decision for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
For former Gombe State Football Association chairman, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, the answer is a resounding no. In a recent interview, Gara-Gombe expressed his disapproval of the NFF's potential decision, citing that Chelle's demands are not only unrealistic but also an attempt to take advantage of the Super Eagles' global recognition.
According to Gara-Gombe, Chelle's purported demands are a clear indication that he has gained international recognition and is now leveraging his position to get a hefty pay raise. "He came to Nigeria to enhance his CV, not to develop our local players or improve our football infrastructure," Gara-Gombe said. "With the talented players we have, we should be the ones demanding compensation from coaches like Eric Chelle, not the other way around."
Gara-Gombe also dismissed the rumored link between Chelle and Olympique Marseille as a fabrication, suggesting that his demands are unrealistic and a clear case of "blackmail." "If he wants to leave, let him go," Gara-Gombe said. "We haven't seen any tangible impact from him on the Super Eagles. If we retain Chelle at this amount, Nigeria will regret it."
The implications of this decision are significant, especially considering the current state of Nigerian football. With the Super Eagles struggling to maintain a consistent level of performance on the international stage, many are questioning whether Chelle's leadership is the right fit for the team. As the NFF considers Chelle's contract renewal, it is essential that they prioritize the interests of Nigerian football over the demands of individual coaches. Will they make a mistake by renewing Chelle's contract? Only time will tell.