Angolan Federation seeks to lure Malian tactician with $100k monthly offer
In a move that could disrupt the coaching stability of the Nigeria national team, the Angola Football Federation has reportedly offered Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, a massive salary to dump his current role.
Reports on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, indicate that the Angolan authorities are prepared to double Chelle’s current earnings to bring him on board as their new manager. This development follows Chelle’s impressive performance at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where the Super Eagles have dazzled fans with a flawless run to the semi-finals.
The Malian tactician, who was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in January 2025, currently earns a monthly salary of $50,000. However, the Angolan side, known as the Palancas Negras, is reportedly dangling a $100,000 monthly paycheck to convince him to switch allegiance. Angola is looking to rebuild its national team after a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2025 AFCON, and they view Chelle as the ideal candidate to spearhead their qualification campaign for the 2030 World Cup.
Sources close to the coach suggest that while the financial offer is tempting, Chelle remains focused on the immediate task of winning the AFCON title for Nigeria. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the host nation, Morocco, in a highly anticipated semi-final clash in Rabat on Wednesday. The NFF has yet to issue an official statement regarding the poaching attempt, but the news has already sparked concerns among football fans who fear losing the coach who has restored the team’s “sublime attacking style.”
Growing interest in Chelle after stellar AFCON run
Eric Chelle’s stock has risen sharply over the last few weeks as Nigeria won all five of its matches in the tournament so far, scoring 14 goals and conceding only four. His ability to blend seasoned stars like Victor Osimhen with rising talents has caught the eye of several African football federations. Beyond Angola, other nations including Tunisia, Guinea, and Mali have also been linked with potential moves for the former Malian international, who has brought a sense of discipline and tactical flexibility to the Nigerian dugout.
In Tunisia, reports suggest that the football authorities are prepared to match the $100,000 monthly salary to secure Chelle’s services after the tournament. Similarly, the Guinean Football Federation has reportedly sounded out the coach as a replacement for their current management. The sudden surge in interest is a testament to the “Chelle effect,” which has seen the Super Eagles transition from a struggling side in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers to a dominant force in continental football.
Despite the rumors, Chelle has previously stated that he did not join Nigeria for the money, having terminated a lucrative contract with Algerian club MC Oran to take the job. He has often emphasized his desire to achieve something “meaningful” with the three-time African champions. However, the recurring reports of unpaid salaries by the NFF—with some sources claiming the coach is currently owed at least three months’ wages—could play a significant role in his final decision regarding his long-term future.
NFF faces pressure to secure coach’s future
The Nigeria Football Federation is now under intense pressure to not only clear the outstanding salary arrears but also to possibly review Chelle’s contract to stave off the poaching attempts. Chelle is currently halfway through a two-year deal, and his primary target is to lead Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Losing him mid-stream would be a significant setback for the federation, which has struggled with coaching consistency over the past few years.
Supporters and former internationals have urged the NFF to act swiftly to protect the team’s momentum. They argue that allowing a rival nation to lure away a winning coach would send a negative signal about the state of Nigerian football administration. The success of the Super Eagles in Morocco has brought a rare sense of unity and pride to the country, and any disruption to the coaching staff is seen as a threat to the national interest.
As the semi-final against Morocco approaches, the distraction of the Angolan offer is the last thing the team needs. Chelle’s management team has remained tight-lipped, but they have confirmed that there are “multiple offers” on the table. For now, the focus remains on the “Battle of Rabat,” where Nigeria aims to secure a spot in the AFCON final and potentially win their fourth continental crown.
