Coach Ladan Bosso, the Sporting Director of Niger Tornadoes and President of the Nigerian Coaches Association shed light on the challenges faced by coaches when seeking justice after being sacked by their clubs.
Specific instances involving Kennedy Boboye of Heartland FC and Bulus of Katsina United were cited.
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In a recent interview on Sports World monitored by Sports247, Coach Bosso attributed part of the challenge to coaches themselves, stating, “We coaches are the problem for ourselves because, in the first place, we have made it clear to our colleagues that if you want to sign a contract, try to at least engage a lawyer to help or serve as a witness.
But most Nigerian coaches don’t do so.” He emphasized the importance of legal assistance and urged coaches to send their contracts to the association, which boasts seven lawyers, some of whom are practicing coaches.
Drawing from past experiences, Coach Bosso mentioned instances where legal intervention ensured justice for coaches.
He recounted, “Coach Henry Abiodun had this same problem in Sunshine Stars of Akure when his appointment was unduly terminated, and when our lawyers took them up based on their contract, he got his money in instalments in three months.
The same thing with Kabiru Dogo when he left Nasarawa United to Sunshine Stars; we had to step in, and he was paid his money.”
Coach Bosso highlighted a critical issue faced by the association, stating, “Most of these coaches, we don’t even have their contracts, so how do we fight for them? That is the problem we are having. And if we don’t have information, how do we fight for the coaches.”
While acknowledging the inherent nature of coaching involving hiring and firing, Coach Bosso stressed the need for coaches to have legal backing.
He commented, “Coaching is about hiring and firing. If you have that in mind, even when you are hired, you should be able to follow the ethics.
You must at that point, prove to yourself that you are a coach. You must have legal backing.”
He expressed concern that many coaches start working with clubs without contracts, making it challenging for the coaches’ association to come to their aid.
Coach Bosso urged Nigerian coaches to adopt a more professional approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the legal aspects of their contracts before taking up coaching positions.
