Super Eagles coach owed three months as final list remains pending.

Eric Chelle

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is racing against Thursday’s AFCON 2025 squad deadline, while also dealing with reports that he is owed three months’ salary by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Nigeria’s 54-man provisional list was released last week, but Chelle must submit his final 28-man squad before December 11, with clubs mandated to release players by December 15.

According to journalist Shina Okeleji, Chelle has not been paid for three months, though he has not filed an official complaint. An NFF official confirmed the salary delay but insisted payment is being processed, citing “cash backing” issues.

Chelle was previously paid ahead through a presidential support arrangement designed to stabilise Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.

Nigeria’s AFCON preparations begin Wednesday, Dec 10, with camp opening in Egypt and a friendly against Egypt set for Dec 16.
The Super Eagles open their Group C campaign against Tanzania on Dec 23, followed by Tunisia and Uganda.

Nigeria — runners-up at the last AFCON — are chasing their fourth continental title.