Sports
NFF To Discuss Unpaid Salaries Surrounding S’Eagles Coach
Public scrutiny grew this week after reports revealed that the Super Eagles boss is owed three months’ salary and unpaid bonuses. The issue surfaced despite Chelle having made no formal complaint since taking over in January following Augustine Eguavoen’s exit.
Under the Malian coach, optimism has returned to the Super Eagles setup. Although Nigeria struggled during the World Cup qualification period before his appointment, Chelle has not lost a competitive match in regulation time, and his calm leadership has been widely praised.
Tension heightened when news of his unpaid wages came to light, raising questions about Nigeria’s AFCON readiness and the federation’s administrative processes.
Senior officials within the NFF told Tidesports source that the salary delay was linked to financial processing rather than neglect. They explained that Chelle had earlier received advance payments, and his pending earnings had already been approved internally. Final disbursement, they said, is now awaiting treasury clearance.
The federation has faced increased calls to improve its internal structure after a turbulent 2024 marked by managerial instability. Finidi George resigned after failing to receive adequate institutional support, prompting Eguavoen’s brief return before Chelle’s appointment.
Additional context emerged in May when the National Sports Commission confirmed it funded Chelle’s salary upfront until October through a presidential support arrangement with that temporary arrangement now expired, the responsibility has reverted fully to the NFF.
The Super Eagles prepare to submit their 28-man squad for AFCON, clarity around administrative matters has become essential the fnal squad lists must be submitted by December 11, with players scheduled to report by December 15. Nigeria will hold camp in Egypt before travelling to Morocco for their opening match against Tanzania on December 23.
The three time champions into Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, Nigeria enters the tournament aiming for a fourth continental title.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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