"A Recipe for Regret": Gara-Gombe Slams NFF Over Proposed $130,000 Salary for Eric Chelle

Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, a prominent sports administrator and former Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association, has issued a scathing warning to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the potential appointment of Eric Chelle as the new Super Eagles head coach. Speaking on Monday, February 23, 2026, Gara-Gombe cautioned that paying the former Mali coach a staggering $130,000 monthly salary would be a move Nigeria would eventually regret, describing the proposed figure as excessive and unjustifiable given the country's current economic realities.

The veteran administrator argued that the NFF is on the verge of repeating past mistakes by committing to high-wage contracts for foreign coaches without guaranteed results. He questioned the criteria used to shortlist Chelle, suggesting that there are indigenous coaches with similar or better qualifications who could lead the team for a fraction of that cost. Gara-Gombe emphasized that at a time when the federation often struggles to pay players' bonuses and staff salaries, such a massive financial commitment to one individual is "financial recklessness."

Reports indicate that Eric Chelle has become a frontrunner for the vacant Super Eagles job, following his impressive stint with the Malian national team. However, the $130,000 asking price has become a major point of contention within the Nigerian sports community.

As the NFF prepares to finalize the appointment, Gara-Gombe urged the leadership to look inward or negotiate more realistic terms that reflect the value of the job. He warned that if the federation proceeds with the current deal and the team fails to perform, the backlash from the Nigerian public will be unprecedented. For now, the footballing world waits to see if the NFF will heed this warning or move forward with the high-stakes appointment of the Franco-Malian tactician.

Is any foreign coach worth a $130,000 monthly salary for the Super Eagles, or should the NFF focus on empowering a local coach with better pay and support? Share your comments below!

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