By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 26, 2026

Former Super Eagles assistant coach Sylvanus Okpala has backed the contractual demands of current head coach Eric Chelle while insisting that Nigeria’s long-term success lies in appointing indigenous coaches, warning that the team risks stagnation or decline if the current trajectory continues, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

His comments come amid scrutiny surrounding Chelle’s reported contract demands, which were recently leaked and include a proposed salary increase from $50,000 to $130,000 per month, alongside provisions for accommodation, security, logistics, technical equipment, and expanded control over team affairs.

While the demands have generated debate, Okpala defended the coach’s position, describing the requests as standard within modern professional football and insisting that responsibility lies with the Nigeria Football Federation to either accept or reject them.

“The coach has a contract, and I am not saying he should not stay or sack him,” Okpala said.

“There is nothing wrong with that. It is professional football. He made his demands to the NFF, and it is up to them to accept or reject them. There is nothing wrong with that. His requests were normal. I can make the same demands.”

He also highlighted the importance of infrastructure, backing Chelle’s reported insistence on improved facilities and equipment as a necessary condition for progress.

“In fact, he was right, especially regarding facilities and equipment. You cannot play football without proper facilities and equipment these days. It is surprising that we still lack them,” he said.

Okpala, who was part of the technical crew that led Nigeria to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title under Stephen Keshi, said his position on local coaches is not new, revealing that he had advocated for greater involvement of Nigerian tacticians as far back as 2022.

He explained that his desire to contribute directly to the national team setup had not materialised despite repeated attempts, maintaining that those with an understanding of the local football environment are best positioned to take the team forward.

“The point here is that from where we are today, and where we need to go, and the height we need to attain, it is Nigerian coaches that will take us there,” Okpala told The PUNCH.

“I am not prophesying, I am not a prophet. It is Nigerian coaches that will take us there, and we are here.”

Despite the 64-year-old’s strong stance on local coaches, he was careful not to dismiss Chelle’s credentials, acknowledging the coach’s competence and contractual right to continue in his role.

“I am not saying he is not a good coach. He is a good coach. He has his contract to run. I understand he still has about one year left. He has tried his best, and we’ve had fantastic games. But his best is not where we are supposed to be,” he added.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 26, 2026

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