Former Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, has voiced strong opposition to the Nigeria Football Federation’s potential plan to extend Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s tenure.
Chelle, who currently earns a monthly salary of around $50,000, reportedly has less than a year remaining on his contract. Recent reports indicate that he has submitted 19 demands—including a proposed salary increase to $130,000—in exchange for continuing with the national team.
Gara-Gombe described the demands as excessive and cautioned that renewing Chelle’s contract could be detrimental to Nigerian football. “I don’t believe it is okay,” he told The Guardian. “Chelle came to Nigeria to enhance his CV. The Super Eagles are too big for him. He wants to leverage the team’s global recognition for personal gain.”
He added, “With the quality of players Nigeria possesses, it should be us evaluating the coach, not the other way around. If he wishes to leave, let him go. I haven’t seen any tangible impact from him on the Super Eagles. Retaining him at this amount would be a mistake Nigeria will regret.”
Gara-Gombe also dismissed rumors linking Chelle to Olympique Marseille, calling them unfounded and reinforcing his view that the coach’s demands are unrealistic.
The comments come amid growing scrutiny over Chelle’s tenure and the NFF’s handling of coaching contracts ahead of key international fixtures.
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