The Super Eagles of Nigeria head into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) knockout stages with coaching staff salaries settled, while player bonuses remain unresolved.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly cleared all outstanding salary payments owed to head coach Eric Chelle, removing a potential distraction as the Super Eagles prepare for their last-16 tie in Morocco.
According to Sports Unlimited, as published by The Punch, Chelle’s January 2026 salary has been paid in full. Officials close to the team told the media the settlement has helped maintain focus within the camp.
Chelle is midway through a two-year contract with the NFF and is reported to earn $55,000 a month. He is also said to have received $60,000 in performance bonuses for Nigeria’s three group-stage wins, calculated at $20,000 per match, as well as a daily camp allowance of $400 since preparations began in Egypt in early December.
Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: CAF
Nigeria have been among the most consistent teams at AFCON 2025, winning all three group games, including a 3–1 victory over Uganda, to qualify for the knockout rounds with a perfect record.
The campaign has also been supported by government funding. Nigerian media report that ₦3bn has been released by the federal government to back the Super Eagles’ participation, although officials within the NFF have acknowledged that additional funding may be required if the team progresses further.
While the coaching situation has been resolved, player payments remain outstanding. SCORENigeria reports that Super Eagles players are yet to receive appearance or performance bonuses at the tournament, including an agreed $30,000 per player payment for reaching the Round of 16.
Photo Credit: Poojamedia
The report says the NFF initially proposed a $15,000 bonus for qualification to the knockout stage, before the figure was revised following discussions with the players. Further incentives are expected to be triggered if Nigeria advance beyond the last 16.
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Victory in the next round would set up a quarter-final meeting with either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo, with additional bonuses linked to further progress.
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Nigeria are one of only two teams to win all three of their group matches at AFCON 2025. The Super Eagles are three-time African champions and last lifted the trophy in 2013.
