FIFA-licensed agent and sports analyst Babajimi Ogunlana, popularly known as Jimmy Carto, has openly questioned the reported demand by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle for a massive salary increase in ongoing contract discussions with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Babajimi Ogunlana was reacting to reports that Chelle is seeking an increase in his monthly salary from $50,000 to $130,000 — a 160 per cent jump.
While admitting that some aspects of the coach’s demands fall within acceptable global standards, Ogunlana stressed that others raise serious concerns about proportionality and accountability.
“Let’s be clear: a furnished office, internet access, proper equipment, camping programs, scouting travel and non-interference in team selection are not luxuries,” Babajimi said.
“These are basics. If they were not already embedded in the contract, then that is an institutional problem.”
However, he was critical of the lifestyle-related requests allegedly included in the negotiations.
“A private SUV with chauffeur and security in Nigeria’s current economic reality raises questions,” he stated.
“Security is understandable, but are we running a national team or a presidential convoy?”
Ogunlana also questioned the reported provision of business-class flight tickets for Chelle’s wife and children, warning against shifting the focus from football development to personal comfort.
“Is this a football project or a family relocation programme?” he asked.
“Many Nigerian coaches have served this country without flying extended family business class across continents. Why should taxpayers carry that burden?”
On performance, Ogunlana argued that the financial demand does not align with results delivered on the pitch.
While acknowledging Chelle’s Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal with the Super Eagles, he insisted it does not justify such a steep increase.
“Respectfully, you won bronze — not gold, not the AFCON title, not a World Cup semi-final,” Ogunlana said. “Where is the performance delta that justifies a 160 per cent valuation increase?”
He further cited the team’s poor showing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) as part of the performance assessment.
“If we are benchmarking, let’s benchmark properly,” he added. “Coaches who delivered silver, gold, even historic AFCON triumphs — did they earn $130,000 monthly?”
Ogunlana also raised concerns about the reported demand for the NFF to issue contracts to Chelle’s backroom staff, warning of potential legal and financial ambiguity.
“If they are your chosen technical crew and your salary includes them, then you contract them,” he said. “If the NFF is paying them, then the NFF negotiates the structure. It cannot be both.”
He equally questioned the inclusion of a personal assistant in the national team bonus pool.
“With respect, why is a personal assistant part of a national team bonus structure?”
Ogunlana asked. “The country pays for technical competence — tactical, strategic, performance delivery — not administrative convenience.”
In conclusion, Ogunlana emphasised that while hard negotiation is acceptable, it must align with context and value creation.
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“Negotiation is fine. Ambition is fine. But context matters,” he said. “Continuity and stability are important, but so is proportionality. Nigeria is not a blank cheque.”
