Former Super Eagles assistant coach Sylvanus Okpala has stated that head coach Eric Sekou Chelle is within his rights to demand an increase in salary following his work with the Nigeria national football team.
Okpala explained that it is normal in football for coaches to renegotiate their contracts when they believe their performance has improved the standing of the team.
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However, he noted that the final decision now rests with the Nigeria Football Federation, which must determine whether it can meet the coach’s financial expectations.
“He has every right to demand a salary increase,” Okpala said.
The former assistant coach stressed that such negotiations are part of professional football, where both the employer and the coach must find common ground that works for both parties.
“It is now up to the federation to decide if they can afford his demands or if they have to move in another direction,” he explained.
Okpala also addressed one of the reported concerns raised by Chelle regarding alleged interference in player invitations and team selection.
“If people are truly interfering with his squad list, then he should come out and say it clearly,” he added.
According to Okpala, transparency on the matter would help protect the integrity of the national team setup and ensure that the coach has full control over technical decisions.
“The coach should be in charge of selecting his players without outside influence,” he noted.
He maintained that if Chelle considers such conditions important for continuing in the role, it is reasonable for him to include them in negotiations with the federation.
“Those are issues that should be addressed if he is to remain in the job,” Okpala stated.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Okpala emphasized that the most important goal should be maintaining stability within the national team structure.
“Whatever decision is taken must be in the best interest of Nigerian football,” he concluded.
