Eric Chelle Dares NFF: ‘Pay Me Off If You Want Me Out’ As Rwanda Clash Looms

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has insisted the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must honour his contract in full if they choose to relieve him of his duties amid growing calls for his sack.

Naija News reports that Eric Chelle’s future has come under scrutiny following Nigeria’s disastrous outing at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where the home-based Eagles suffered back-to-back defeats to Senegal and Sudan, crashing out in the group stage.

The early exit triggered debates over whether the former Mali international is the right man to lead Nigeria into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which resume in less than two weeks.

Speaking to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Chelle admitted he is not oblivious to the rumours but made it clear he would not walk away quietly.

“I have heard a lot of stories about them wanting to sack me and replace me with someone else. I have heard about that,” Chelle said.

“I know, quite well, that I can be fired after one match. This is life in football, but if they decide to do that, they must be prepared to pay up the remainder of my contract.”

While the NFF is yet to comment publicly on his position, attention has already shifted to the Super Eagles’ next competitive fixture against Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Amavubi are expected to arrive in Uyo on Wednesday, September 3, ahead of the Group C clash set for Saturday, September 6, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Rwanda’s coach, Adel Amrouche, is tipped to announce his squad list later this week.

Nigeria will head into the tie desperate for maximum points after a mixed run of results. Rwanda stunned the Eagles 2-1 on their last visit to Uyo in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. However, Nigeria avenged that defeat with a 2-0 away win in Kigali earlier this year.