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Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle briefly explored a return to European club football after disagreements with the Nigeria Football Federation over a wide-ranging reform proposal aimed at reshaping the Super Eagles’ structure, Footynaija reports.
Reports indicate that the Malian tactician submitted a detailed 19-point document to the federation on 22 January 2026, outlining changes covering finance, logistics and technical control.
The proposal followed what sources describe as a period of growing frustration regarding operational conditions around the national team.
At the centre of Chelle’s request was a revised monthly payment of $130,000, significantly higher than his current salary. The coach reportedly argued that the figure was intended to cover wages for his full technical staff and a personal assistant rather than serve as personal income alone. The federation declined several elements of the plan, creating tension that prompted Chelle to quietly test opportunities elsewhere.
One such opportunity emerged at Olympique Marseille, where Chelle submitted an application for the vacant managerial role.
In preparation for a possible move, he ended his collaboration with long-time agent Sidibe Abraham Brehima and signed with a new representation agency to strengthen his European prospects.
Marseille eventually appointed Habib Beye, ending Chelle’s hopes of returning to club management.
Welcome to Marseille pic.twitter.com/T2HaLWa5IS
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_English) February 18, 2026
The rejected proposal nevertheless offers insight into Chelle’s long-term vision for Nigeria. He requested improved living arrangements, a dedicated analysis office, enhanced scouting resources and the freedom to monitor foreign-based players globally. Crucially, he also sought full authority over friendly matches, structured training camps and guarantees of non-interference in squad selection.
Appointed in January 2025, Chelle enjoyed early success, winning the Unity Cup invitational tournament in London and guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Those achievements strengthened his position but also appeared to embolden his push for deeper institutional reform.
Despite the disagreement and failed Marseille approach, Chelle remains in charge of the Super Eagles and is expected to lead Nigeria in upcoming international friendlies against Jordan and Iran next month.
