The issue came to light after journalist Shina Okeleji posted on X that Chelle had yet to be paid in full. Despite the arrears, the coach has reportedly not filed any formal complaint with the NFF. A federation source, however, stated that administrative processes are already in motion to settle the outstanding amount.
According to the official, Chelle has been briefed on the situation, with the NFF awaiting the necessary financial backing before disbursing the funds. The source noted that the coach had previously been paid in advance, emphasising that the current delay is not reflective of the broader relationship between both parties.
Earlier in the year, National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko explained that a presidentially approved support group had funded Chelle’s salary up to October. The arrangement, he said, was put in place to stabilise Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and give the NFF more time to secure sustainable financing and sponsorship.
Chelle, appointed in January, oversaw a turbulent World Cup qualifying run that saw Nigeria fall at the final hurdle—losing on penalties to DR Congo in the African play-off. AFCON 2025 will be his third major assignment as Super Eagles coach.
Squad List Deadline and Tournament Build-Up
Nigeria must submit its provisional squad by Thursday, December 11, with Chelle’s list expected within days. Each of the 24 teams at the finals may name up to 28 players, and clubs are required to release their players by Monday, December 15.
The Super Eagles will open camp on Wednesday, December 10, in Egypt, where they are set to play an unofficial pre-AFCON friendly against the Pharaohs on December 16. The match is expected to help Chelle assess late decisions before the team travels to Morocco.
Group C Outlook
Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania—an intriguing mix that offers both familiar rivalries and emerging challenges.
The Eagles begin their campaign on December 23 against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. Tunisia and Uganda will clash the same day in Rabat.
Nigeria’s marquee fixture in the group comes on December 27, when they face Tunisia in what is expected to be a decisive contest for top spot. The final round of Group C games will be contested simultaneously on December 31, with Nigeria meeting Uganda in Fès and Tunisia facing Tanzania in Rabat.
Having finished as runners-up at the last tournament—losing 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast—the Super Eagles enter the 2025 edition with clear ambitions. Nigeria, three-time continental champions (1980, 1994, 2013), will be aiming to end a twelve-year wait for a fourth AFCON title under Chelle’s stewardship.