Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has opened up on the true situation on extending his stay as the coach of team , OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Chelle still has a year to run on his deal as coach of the Nigerian team, but on the instructions of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were mandated to extend his deal.
Talks stalled after the coach made a 19 points demand, which include a monthly salary proposal of €130,000 a month aside other demands.
In the interview posted on his official Instagram handle, Chelle confirmed in French language that the document in circulation is indeed true, but he has no knowledge how it was leaked to the media, after he submitted it to the NFF. Hinting that it might be a part of a smear campaign to kick him out of the job.
“At the moment we’re speaking, of course I am still the coach of Nigeria. I still have one year left on my contract. In fact, just yesterday I was in a meeting by video with my technical staff to work on the squad list for the March matches. So yes, I am still the coach of Nigeria”, he explained.
“Today, if I’m being honest, I don’t really know. The first question I ask myself is how this document could have ended up in the media. That’s the question I’m asking myself.”
He said it’s indeed true that he demanded for the salary in question but said it’s in Dollars and not Euros as widely believed. A demand he said was made because he will also cater for his assistants from the pay.
Asked if he is open to receiving a lesser pay, the coach who led Nigeria to a third place finish at the AFCON said it’s possible with negotiations still on.
Linked with a move to Marseille when head coach Roberto De Zerbi was fired, Chelle said he had no contact or whatsoever with the management of the team , who have since appointed Habib Beye as the coach.
“I have had absolutely no contact with the Olympique de Marseille management.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
