A national team coach requesting a projector for match analysis and facing criticism for it, has triggered serious debate within Nigerian football circles.
Softfootball gathered from online reports circulating on social media that the manager of the Nigeria national football team, Eric Chelle presented 19 requirements in order to renew his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
While criticism has followed the reported demands, Softfootball’s analysis suggests many of these are basic working conditions expected of a national team manager.
Below are the 19 requirements as reported, unchanged:
- Private car (SUV) with a chauffeur and security.
- House in a well secured environment with 24hrs uninterrupted power supply (electricity).
- Furnished office with projector for analysis.
- Internet provision.
- Flight tickets for wife and two children (Eric and wife Business class) children economy.
- GPS provision.
- Supply of proper equipment in accordance to the coach’s demand.
- Based on opponents, the coach has the right of choice regarding int’l friendly matches.
- Camping programs.
- The coach will initiate programs for youth development.
- Provision for the coach to travel, watch, monitor and engage players of the national teams abroad.
- Provision for the coach to travel to watch the local league to identify potential players that will be integrated in to senior national team, A U23, U20 and U17.
- No Interference in team selection and players call up.
- The NFF has to issue a working contract for my staffs.
- Salary needs to be paid on or before 30th of every month.
- Bonus and allowance as per federation structure.
- Request to include my PA in the bonus and allowance structure.
- Proposed salary of $130,000.00 (One hundred and thirty thousand dollars) monthly. The amount included all my technical staffs and PA.
- Monthly meeting with all the national team coaches.
Looking closely at the list, questions arise: Should a national team coach have to request stable electricity, internet access, analysis equipment, and timely salary payment? These are fundamental tools for modern football management.
In today’s game, tactical preparation depends heavily on video analysis, scouting data, and digital communication. Without internet access or proper analysis equipment, preparation is compromised. Similarly, monitoring players abroad and within the domestic league is a core responsibility of any serious national team project.
The clause requesting no interference in team selection also reflects a common professional standard globally, where coaches are held accountable for results and therefore require autonomy.
However, a counter-report has emerged claiming that the 19 requirements are not accurate and should be disregarded. If the reports are false, it raises concerns about misinformation shaping public discourse. If true, it opens a broader conversation about the welfare, structure, and professional environment provided to national team managers in Nigeria.
Until official clarification is issued, the matter remains uncertain but the discussion has undoubtedly highlighted deeper questions about standards and support systems within Nigerian football.
