AFCON 2025: Tunisia Allegedly Offer Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle $100,000 Monthly Contract

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Speculation has emerged around the future of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle following claims that the Tunisian Football Federation has made a substantial financial offer to lure him away from Nigeria after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The allegation was made by Peterside Idah, a former media officer of the Super Eagles, who stated that Tunisia have offered Chelle a monthly salary of $100,000 to take over their national team. Idah disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television, suggesting that the offer could influence Chelle’s decision to part ways with Nigeria after the tournament.

According to Idah, the financial incentive is not the only attraction. He noted that Tunisia’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup could also play a significant role in the coach’s considerations. Tunisia are already assured of a place at the global tournament, offering Chelle a potential opportunity to coach at football’s biggest stage.

“I hear he wants to go to Tunisia,” Idah said during the interview. “They have offered him $100,000 per month. Not just that, he will make a name, and that name is being a coach of a World Cup side.”

The claims come as the Super Eagles prepare to round off their AFCON 2025 campaign with a third-place playoff match against Egypt. Nigeria’s journey at the tournament has drawn mixed reactions from fans and analysts, with opinions divided over Chelle’s tactical approach, squad management, and overall impact.

Chelle, who was appointed amid high expectations, has overseen a run that includes several wins and draws at the tournament. Supporters of the coach argue that he brought stability and motivation to the squad during a challenging period, while critics maintain that Nigeria’s performances still lacked tactical sharpness against top opposition.

The reported interest from Tunisia has also reignited conversations around the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and its handling of coaching contracts. Some observers have raised questions about whether Chelle’s existing contract with the Super Eagles would allow for an early exit, while others note that resignations and negotiated exits are not uncommon in international football.

As of the time of reporting, neither the NFF nor the Tunisian Football Federation has issued an official statement confirming or denying the reported offer. Eric Chelle himself has also remained silent on the matter, choosing instead to focus on Nigeria’s remaining fixture at the tournament.

The situation has generated strong reactions among football fans, particularly on social media, where debates have centered on whether Chelle should accept the offer if it exists. While some believe the opportunity to coach a World Cup-bound team is a natural career progression, others insist that Nigeria should do more to retain coaches and build long-term continuity within the national team setup.

Football analysts note that such transfer speculations are common during major tournaments, especially when coaches attract attention due to their teams’ performances. They caution, however, that decisions involving national team appointments are often complex and influenced by contractual obligations, federation politics, and long-term career goals.

With AFCON 2025 nearing its conclusion, attention is likely to intensify on Chelle’s next move and how the NFF plans to address the uncertainty surrounding the Super Eagles’ technical leadership. Until official confirmation emerges, the reported Tunisian offer remains an allegation, albeit one that has added another layer of intrigue to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.