‘My job is on the pitch’ — Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle refuses to comment on unpaid AFCON bonus row

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has refused to be drawn into the ongoing unpaid bonus controversy threatening to derail Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign.

With tensions rising ahead of the quarter-final clash against Algeria, the Malian tactician insists his focus remains firmly on football matters.

Speaking when asked about the growing unrest in camp, Chelle made it clear that financial issues are outside his remit as head coach.

The Super Eagles boss stressed that his responsibility is purely technical, as Nigeria prepare for a decisive quarter-final showdown.

“This is my job to stay focused. To try to stay focused,” Chelle said. “This is my job to try to stay focused about only the pitch. Definitely, my job is on the pitch.”

His comments come amid reports that players and officials are yet to receive win bonuses from Nigeria’s victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique.

The situation sparked fears of a potential boycott, with the squad allegedly considering skipping training and travel plans if the issue was not resolved promptly. Despite the distraction, Chelle has continued to oversee preparations as Nigeria chase a fourth AFCON title.

While Chelle has chosen to remain detached, Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has taken centre stage in trying to defuse the crisis.

According to an earlier Pulse Sports report, Ndidi has offered to personally pay the outstanding bonuses to keep the team united.

“I’ve been pushing the team to train and play the game vs Algeria,” Ndidi was quoted as saying, adding, “I’ve now made a commitment to the staff & players that I’ll personally pay the bonuses if the authority fail to before Saturday. I don’t want this unpaid bonuses to affect our preparations.”

The Nigerian Football Federation has since explained that the Central Bank of Nigeria is processing payments to individual accounts, assuring that all bonuses will be settled.

With Algeria up next on Saturday, January 10, Nigeria will hope Ndidi’s leadership and Chelle’s single-minded focus can keep their AFCON dream on track.