Since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ended in January, the issue of Eric Chelle continuing as Super Eagles head coach has lingered on.
Nigeria finished with an impressive bronze medal at the tournament in Morocco.
Since the AFCON ended, there have been calls from every quarter for the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to offer Chelle a new deal.
Players, fans, pundits and stakeholders have been unanimous in their opinion.
The NFF has repeatedly reminded Nigerians that Chelle has a contract that runs out in 2027.
But it seems the Malian is eager to make the most of his time in the limelight.
Chelle was linked with Tunisia just before the AFCON ended. And in the last few weeks, he reportedly expressed interest in coaching Ligue 1 side Marseille, after Roberto De Zerbi resigned.
But Marseille have since appointed Habib Beye.
Within the week, there were reports that Chelle had given the NFF at least 19 conditions to continue in the role, including a 100% pay raise.
So, is the 48-year-old genuinely looking for better offers? Or is he playing a sort of game with the NFF?
“I think he feels he has more leverage now to demand better,” Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster, tells DAILY POST.
“He knows he has a lot to offer Nigerian football and that everyone can now see that, because our AFCON performances under him were evidence of that.
“He wants to use that leverage to get the best conditions to work in and also revamp our entire football structure and culture.
“He also feels he has nothing to lose now, because his stocks are way higher than before.
“If he loses the job in the process, there will be many suitors ready to take him.
“That said, I am convinced he really loves coaching this team. It is evident that it means a lot to him. There’s no bigger national team, no greater prestige and no stronger pool of talented players on the continent.”
The NFF has publicly denied these demands. But Chelle changing agents is another indicator that he could still quit.
“NFF should give in to his demands bar a few things that are open to negotiation, if they are really serious about taking our football to the next level, from the ground up,” McDubus said.
“Chelle has put them on the spot with this. Everyone is watching, and the demands are largely focused on things that are best for our football.
“If they refuse, then it becomes clear beyond all doubt that they don’t want our progress as a footballing nation. Not even a salary excuse will suffice here.
“I think it’s completely fair. It’s important to note that it’s for him and his entire staff, not just him alone.
“He has a right to demand that, for all the work he and his team will be doing.
“When you consider the conditions under which he’s worked since he started, he has played it brilliantly.
“He was patient, and he waited for when he’d have the leverage to demand all these things.”
