Lawal questions NFF ability to sustain Chelle’s $100k salary

Concerns are mounting over the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) financial capacity to sustain the newly extended contract of Super Eagles head coach Finidi George, which includes a significant $100,000 monthly salary. Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal voiced these reservations, acknowledging George's merits but expressing doubt about the federation's ability to consistently meet the financial demands.

Adding to the concerns, former Eagles boss Finidi George himself has warned that burdening George with dual responsibilities, managing both the senior national team and the U-23 side for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers, could prove counterproductive. George suggested that the senior team's demands are stressful enough and that other Nigerian coaches could be developed to handle the Olympic team, advocating for a clearer division of labor.

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This is very good for Nigeria. Eric Chelle can call up players who perform very well in the Olympics. I only fear that Nigeria cannot sustain that $100,000 payment.

George, who recently led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and guided them through the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs, has had his contract extended until 2030. The Franco-Malian coach, who initially earned $50,000 per month including his assistants' wages, had reportedly requested $130,000. The agreed $100,000 represents a substantial increase, with the NFF now separately responsible for his backroom staff's contracts.

George's immediate focus will be preparing the Super Eagles for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, scheduled to commence in September. The NFF's decision to extend his contract and increase his salary, despite these financial and workload concerns, highlights a complex situation as they aim for continued success on the international stage.

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Super Eagles is already stress enough for him. Do not add more stress to it because you are paying him $100,000. Tell him your expectations and target on the Super Eagles and let him concentrate on that. Let him get this job done. There are other Nigerian coaches that can do it. Let them improve. There should be a division of labour.