Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal has admitted to having concerns regarding the Nigeria Sports Commission’s recent decision to double senior national team head coach Eric Chelle’s monthly salary, Footynaija.com reports.
Just a couple of days ago, the NSC announced a four-year contract extension for the Franco-Malian gaffer, while also revealing that he’ll be taking over the affairs of the Nigerian U-23 setup with the aim of guiding the team to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Furthermore, Chelle saw a bumper improvement in his remuneration. His previous deal paid him $50,000 monthly and required him to fund his assistants’ wages. Now he will earn a $100,000 monthly salary for the Super Eagles head coach, while the Nigeria Football Federation take charge of the contracts of his backroom staff.
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Reacting to the development, Lawal approved of the decision to hand Chelle a new long-term contract and also put him in charge of the U-23 setup. However, he also aired his reservations about the level of financial commitment involved.
“This is very good for Nigeria,” the former Roda JC midfielder said in quotes revealed by Brila.
“Eric Chelle can call up players who perform very well in the Olympics. I only fear that Nigeria cannot sustain that $100,000 payment.”
Eric Chelle has earned his new contract
For many Super Eagles supporters, news of Eric Chelle’s long-term contract extension is a welcome development. The former Mali boss has won many hearts after transforming the Nigeria national team into one of the most exciting sides on the continent.
After just narrowly failing to successfully orchestrate a perfect turnaround in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Chelle oversaw a very impressive Africa Cup of Nations campaign which ended in a well-deserved third-place finish for the Super Eagles.
The 47-year-old tactician will be looking to continue his good work at the helm of affairs when the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers kicks off in September.
