Nigerian football stakeholders demand equal pay for local coaches after Chelle's $100k monthly contract

This demand follows confirmation that Chelle has agreed to a new contract worth $100,000 per month, which also includes overseeing the Dream Team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics qualifiers. Barrister Christopher Green, Rivers State Sports Commissioner and former NFF board member, advocates for equality, stating that the same pay should be offered to any local coach taking over the role. Green also questioned the justification for Chelle's salary increase given Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Plateau United head coach Gbenga Ogunbote echoed the sentiment, arguing that if a salary increase is meant to improve performance for Chelle, the same logic should extend to indigenous coaches. Conversely, former Super Falcons assistant coach Mansur Abdullahi supported Chelle's expanded role and salary, citing the extensive work involved in monitoring numerous Nigerian players globally. However, Abdullahi expressed concern about the heavy workload of Chelle's dual role with both the Super Eagles and the U-23 side.