Eric Chelle Offered Massive $100K Monthly Salary To Leave Super Eagles for World Cup Role
- Eric Chelle has reportedly been offered $100,000 monthly to coach Tunisia for the 2026 World Cup
- Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi was sacked following the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 elimination
- Chelle was appointed Nigeria’s coach in December 2025 during the turbulent World Cup qualifiers
- Nigerian journalist Christian Williams has urged the NFF to retain Chelle after AFCON ends
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has emerged as one of the hottest coaching prospects in African football after Nigeria’s dominant run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Malian coach, who guided Nigeria to a flawless quarter-final victory over Algeria, is reportedly wanted by North African giants Tunisia.
Source: Getty Images
According to The Standard, the Tunisian Football Federation is ready to offer Chelle a massive $100,000 monthly salary to lead the Carthage Eagles at the 2026 World Cup.
Reports suggest Tunisia are keen to lure Chelle away from Nigeria, seeing his recent achievements with the Super Eagles at AFCON as proof of his ability to turn teams into title contenders.
The offer represents a substantial boost over his current $50,000 monthly wage with the Super Eagles, highlighting the increasing value placed on his tactical acumen across the continent.
2026 World Cup opportunity for Eric Chelle
The Tunisian Football Federation moved quickly following their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 elimination to Mali, which saw coach Sami Trabelsi sacked, BBC Sport reports.
Source: Getty Images
The 2004 AFCON champions lost in a dramatic penalty shootout after conceding a late equaliser, despite playing against 10 men for over 90 minutes.
In a statement, the Federation said it had “decided to terminate the contractual relationship by mutual consent” with Trabelsi’s technical staff.
Unlike Nigeria, Tunisia have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, offering Chelle an immediate platform on the global stage.
The lure of a World Cup campaign, combined with a significant financial incentive, makes the opportunity particularly appealing for Chelle.
Other countries, including Angola and Guinea, are reportedly monitoring the situation, although Chelle’s reputation and recent AFCON form may make him a priority target for only the continent’s top sides.
Despite lucrative offers, Chelle has emphasised that his attention remains firmly on Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON 2025 semi-final against hosts Morocco.
The Super Eagles arrive in Rabat undefeated, having scored 14 goals and conceded none in five games, showcasing a high-tempo and dominant style that has impressed fans.
While the Tunisian offer may tempt many, Chelle appears committed to finishing the tournament on a high with Nigeria before considering any potential moves.
His leadership since being appointed as Nigeria’s coach by the NFF has transformed the Super Eagles into one of the most cohesive and threatening sides in the competition, and his decision over the coming weeks could reshape the coaching landscape in African football.
NFF urged to keep Chelle
Meanwhile, Nigerian journalist Christian Williams, in a chat with Legit.ng, has pleaded with the NFF to do everything possible to retain Chelle after the AFCON in Morocco.
"It's not a surprise other African teams are already eyeing Chelle because he has come in and turned around the fortunes of the Super Eagles when the team looked like they were on a downward spiral.
"My plea to the NFF is that they should do everything to keep him after the AFCON because Nigeria needs a coach like the Malian."
Chelle raises alarm ahead of Morocco clash
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Eric Chelle has sounded a note of caution ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 semifinal showdown against hosts Morocco, admitting his players are beginning to feel the weight of a long and demanding tournament.
From the group stage to the quarterfinals, the Super Eagles have blown past Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria with high energy.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
