Former Nigeria international Edema Fuludu has questioned the rationale behind offering Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle a highly improved contract, arguing that the achievements so far may not justify massive financial commitments.
Fuludu said discussions around the coach’s future should remain strictly between the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission, rather than becoming a public debate.
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“Contract negotiations should be handled by the relevant authorities,” Fuludu said. “It is a matter for the NFF and the National Sports Commission.”
The former midfielder acknowledged Chelle’s efforts with the national team but insisted that results must be carefully evaluated before agreeing to significant financial demands.
“Finishing third at AFCON is not enough to justify huge salary increases,” he stated.
Fuludu pointed out that the Super Eagles have neither won the Africa Cup of Nations nor secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup under Chelle.
“He hasn’t won AFCON and Nigeria did not qualify for the World Cup,” he explained.
According to him, Nigeria should prioritize long-term investment in its domestic football ecosystem rather than committing scarce resources to expensive coaching contracts.
“We should invest more in developing our local coaches and strengthening the domestic league,” he argued.
Fuludu believes improving grassroots development and league structures will ultimately produce better results for the national team.
“A strong domestic system will always benefit the national team,” he added.
He concluded by urging administrators to make balanced decisions that protect the long-term future of Nigerian football.
“Every decision must consider sustainability and the overall development of the game,” Fuludu said.
His comments reflect the ongoing debate within Nigerian football over how best to balance financial investment, coaching stability, and grassroots development.
