Sports
Eric Chelle Explains $130,000 Salary Proposal, Reaffirms Loyalty to Super Eagles
Eric Chelle Explains $130,000 Salary Proposal, Reaffirms Loyalty to Super Eagles
Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has defended his request for an upward review of his salary, stressing that the proposal is meant to enhance his working conditions and technical efficiency, not to signal an intention to leave his role with the Nigeria Football Federation.
The clarification follows public reactions to a leaked document in which Chelle proposed new contractual terms, including an adjustment of his monthly salary from $50,000 to $130,000. The Franco-Malian tactician explained that the figure is not purely for personal remuneration but is designed to accommodate the cost of running his entire technical and backroom staff, which he is contractually obligated to fund.
According to Chelle, the structure of coaching national teams in Africa differs significantly from that of Europe, as head coaches are often responsible for paying their assistants directly. He said the proposed increase is necessary to maintain professional standards and ensure efficiency within the Super Eagles setup.
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“When people talk about $130,000, they forget that it’s not just for me. With African national teams I’ve worked with, I have to pay my technical staff myself. These requests are simply to give me the right conditions to do my job properly,” he said.
The salary adjustment forms part of 19 formal requests submitted to the NFF on January 22, which the federation has confirmed are currently under review by its executive board. The discussions are taking place amid talks surrounding a possible contract extension, although no final decision has been announced.
Chelle also dismissed speculation linking him to Olympique Marseille, as well as claims that he issued an ultimatum to the NFF after Nigeria finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Speaking on the Histoires de Foot Podcast, he insisted that he never threatened to resign or used interest from Europe as leverage.
“I have never gone to Nigeria to say I was going to leave for Marseille or to renegotiate everything. There is no interview or statement where I said I would resign or threaten anyone,” he said. Chelle added that he still has one year left on his contract and remains fully engaged with his responsibilities, including ongoing meetings with his technical crew to prepare for upcoming fixtures.
While admitting that his agents made exploratory contact with Marseille when the French club was in search of a new coach, Chelle said there was no direct engagement between himself and the club. He explained that the situation was exaggerated by social media speculation and insisted he never authorised any public communication suggesting an imminent move.
Beyond salary, the coach’s 19 requests reportedly include logistical, security, and technical provisions aimed at improving team performance. These include a private SUV with a driver and security detail, accommodation in a secure neighbourhood with stable electricity, a fully furnished office with a projector for tactical sessions, autonomy over squad selection, and input in arranging international friendly matches.
Other reported requests include structured access to domestic league fixtures for scouting across the senior team and age-grade sides, inclusion of his personal assistant in the bonus structure, provision of flight tickets for his wife and two children, and access to modern technical equipment that meets his coaching standards.
Chelle said he was particularly troubled by how the confidential document entered the public domain, noting that he is still trying to understand how internal correspondence was leaked to the media.
Despite the controversy, the Super Eagles coach insisted that his attention remains firmly on football matters. He is expected to unveil his squad for the next international window, where Nigeria will participate in a four-nation invitational tournament in Amman, facing Iran national football team, Jordan national football team, and Costa Rica national football team.
The NFF has maintained that it is committed to stability within the Super Eagles technical crew, assuring stakeholders that Chelle’s proposals will be carefully reviewed in line with the federation’s long-term objectives.
Eric Chelle Explains $130,000 Salary Proposal, Reaffirms Loyalty to Super Eagles
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Sports
Real Madrid Reach €20m Agreement for Inter Milan Star Denzel Dumfries
Real Madrid Reach €20m Agreement for Inter Milan Star Denzel Dumfries
Real Madrid have moved a step closer to strengthening their squad for the new season after reportedly reaching an agreement to sign Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries in a deal worth €20 million.
The Spanish giants are expected to activate the Dutch international’s release clause, paving the way for one of the most notable transfers of the summer window. Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reported that an agreement has been reached, with the player keen on making the move to the Santiago Bernabéu.
The signing comes as Real Madrid continue to reshape their squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with club officials viewing Dumfries as an experienced and versatile option capable of strengthening the right side of the team’s defence.
Since joining Inter Milan from PSV Eindhoven in 2021, Dumfries has established himself as one of the most effective attacking full-backs in European football. The 30-year-old has made 207 appearances for the Nerazzurri, scoring 27 goals and contributing numerous assists despite operating primarily in defensive roles.
His ability to play as a traditional right-back, wing-back and right-sided midfielder has made him a highly sought-after player in the transfer market. Real Madrid believe his pace, physical strength, attacking instincts and experience in top-level competitions will add significant value to the squad.
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Dumfries was a key figure for Inter Milan during a successful spell that saw the Italian side challenge for domestic honours and compete regularly in the UEFA Champions League. His performances for both club and country have enhanced his reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable players in his position.
Reports suggest several European clubs monitored the Netherlands international, but Real Madrid emerged as his preferred destination. The opportunity to play at the Santiago Bernabéu and compete for major trophies reportedly played a significant role in his decision.
The €20 million transfer fee is also being viewed as excellent business for Madrid, given Dumfries’ experience and proven track record at the highest level. With transfer fees continuing to rise across Europe, securing an established international defender at that price represents a relatively low-risk investment.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan are expected to begin the search for a replacement once the deal is finalized. Italian media reports indicate that Atalanta defender Marco Palacios is among the players being considered as the club prepares for life after Dumfries.
For Madrid, the move reflects the club’s continued strategy of blending experienced internationals with emerging talent as they seek to maintain their dominance in Spanish football and challenge for European honours.
If completed as expected, Dumfries would become one of Real Madrid’s first major acquisitions of the summer and could play an important role in the club’s plans for the upcoming season.
Real Madrid Reach €20m Agreement for Inter Milan Star Denzel Dumfries
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Sports
Arsenal Paint London Red as Thousands Celebrate Historic Premier League Triumph
Arsenal Paint London Red as Thousands Celebrate Historic Premier League Triumph
Thousands of Arsenal supporters flooded the streets of north London on Sunday as the club celebrated its long-awaited Premier League triumph with a jubilant open-top bus parade.
The festivities offered fans a chance to savour domestic glory despite the disappointment of falling short in their quest for European success.
Wearing the club’s iconic red-and-white colours, supporters lined major routes to catch a glimpse of manager Mikel Arteta and his players proudly displaying the Premier League trophy. Chants, waving flags and bursts of red smoke filled the air as fans revelled in Arsenal’s first league title since 2004.
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The celebrations drew huge crowds, with some supporters climbing rooftops, trees and traffic lights to secure a better view of the champions.
Arsenal sealed the title on May 19 after nearest challengers Manchester City were held to a draw by Bournemouth, ending a 22-year wait for the English top-flight crown and sparking scenes of celebration among the club’s global fan base.
Sunday’s parade marked the culmination of a remarkable season that restored Arsenal to the summit of English football and cemented Arteta’s place in the club’s modern history.
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Sports
Atletico Open to Selling Lookman Months After €35m Signing
La Liga side Atletico Madrid are prepared to listen to offers for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman just months after signing him from Atalanta in one of the winter window’s most significant deals. According to Fotospor, reports from Spain and Turkey indicate that the club may sanction his exit for roughly €60 million this summer. The development comes as a surprise given that Lookman only joined Diego Simeone’s side in February 2026 in a transfer worth approximately €35 million plus add-ons, signing a contract that runs until 2030.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a bright start to life in Madrid. He scored on his debut for Atletico in a 5-0 rout of Real Betis on February 5, 2026, finding the net in the 37th minute after just a couple of training sessions with his new teammates. “I’m very, very happy, very proud to make my debut tonight, especial performance from the team,” Lookman said after the match. “Obviously the team and the staff and everybody has welcomed me very nicely. It has made it easy for me to settle in.” His impact continued throughout the campaign, with Lookman playing a crucial role in securing Champions League qualification for Atletico. On May 12, 2026, he scored the opening goal in a 2-1 victory over Osasuna, converting a first-half penalty that mathematically guaranteed Atletico’s top-four finish in La Liga. However, despite contributing four La Liga goals alongside strikes in the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League, Lookman has reportedly struggled to adapt to Atletico’s demanding defensive structure, and Simeone is claimed to have backed the club’s decision to pursue offers as part of a larger team overhaul. Since joining Atletico, Lookman has played 24 official matches for the club, scoring nine goals and providing four assists, contributing directly to 13 goals in 1,381 minutes of play.
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Several Premier League clubs are expected to take note of the development right away. Arsenal is among those keeping an eye on developments, with manager Mikel Arteta said to admire Lookman’s mobility across the front line. Liverpool, who tracked the Nigerian during his time at Atalanta, is also interested, with his pressing tenacity and pace seen as a perfect fit for their style. Manchester United, another English team, is monitoring the situation, expressing a desire for more consistent output from their wide areas.
Outside England, Fenerbahçe are anticipated to renew their interest in Lookman, having previously been close to signing him before Atletico completed the deal in January. The Turkish giants had reached an agreement with both Lookman and Atalanta during the winter window, but the deal collapsed over bank guarantee issues. Galatasaray have also entered the race. According to Turkish media reports, the club’s star striker Victor Osimhen is providing positive references about his Nigerian international teammate to facilitate a potential move. Osimhen, who has reportedly been giving favorable recommendations about Lookman, is said to be ready to help convince the winger to join the Istanbul giants. Galatasaray’s biggest selling point is the opportunity to play in the Champions League, which could be a decisive factor in the Nigerian’s decision. Paris Saint-Germain are also thought to remain interested. In Italy, both Inter Milan and Juventus are admirers, although matching Atletico’s valuation of around €60 million and the player’s reported net salary of roughly €6 million per season may prove difficult for Serie A clubs.
Lookman’s move to Atletico Madrid was finalized after intense negotiations where the Spanish club outmaneuvered competition from Fenerbahce. The Nigerian international had endured a stormy relationship with Atalanta prior to his departure, requesting to leave the club citing broken promises and poor treatment. Lookman, who famously scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final for Atalanta in 2024 to end Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten run, registered 55 goals during his time in Bergamo. That performance made him the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a major European final and the first since 1975. He has previously played in England for Charlton Athletic, Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City. His exceptional form earned him the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award in 2024, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top talents.
Despite reports of Atletico’s willingness to sell, some sources suggest the Spanish club now sees Lookman as an indispensable part of their sporting project following his standout performances, with any potential transfer requiring a fee closer to €70 million. As of the time of this report, no official decision has been made regarding Lookman’s future. The summer transfer window will determine whether the Nigerian international remains at the Wanda Metropolitano or seeks a new challenge elsewhere.
Atletico Open to Selling Lookman Months After €35m Signing
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