‘Pay Me Off If You Want Me Out’ As Rwanda Clash Looms
InfoSport: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle insists the Nigeria Football Federation must pay his contract in full if they wish to terminate his position following the recent championship failure.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made a bold proclamation: if the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) intends to part ways with him, they must “pay me off.” This ultimatum comes amid heightened scrutiny following Nigeria’s poor performance at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where the home-based Eagles suffered two consecutive defeats, leading to an early exit from the tournament. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers approach, concerns about Chelle’s capacity to guide the team have become a focal point.
An Underwhelming Performance
Chelle’s future has been cast into doubt after Nigeria’s dismal showing at CHAN, where they failed to progress past the group stage. A subsequent survey highlighted that fans and commentators alike are questioning whether Chelle is the right leader for the Super Eagles as the World Cup qualifiers loom. “I know quite well that I can be fired after one match. This is life in football,” he admitted, underscoring the unpredictable nature of coaching in the sport.
Next Steps in the Qualifiers
Attention now shifts to the Super Eagles’ upcoming fixture against Rwanda, scheduled for Saturday, September 6, at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. History is not on Nigeria’s side; Rwanda previously defeated the Eagles 2-1 in Uyo during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. However, Nigeria redeemed itself with a 2-0 win in Kigali earlier this year. The stakes have never been higher, with Nigeria desperate for maximum points to sustain hope in the World Cup qualifiers.
In conclusion, Eric Chelle’s firm stance sets the stage for a tense confrontation ahead of Nigeria’s crucial match against Rwanda. Whether the NFF decides to stick with him or not could have lasting implications for the team’s trajectory in upcoming tournaments. Fans are encouraged to weigh in on Chelle’s future in light of these revelations.
