NFF Board Member Hon. Nse Essien addresses the growing demand for the removal of coach Jose Peseiro.
Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, faces a challenging road to the 2026 World Cup with just 2 points from 2 matches.
“If you check the internet, almost everyone is calling for the sack of the head coach. It is very unfortunate that out of 6 points, we have only two. We find ourselves in a very precarious position” Hon. Essien said in an exclusive interview.
Stakeholders express discontent with former Sports Minister Sunday Dare’s decision to reinstate Peseiro, promising federal responsibility for the coach’s salary.
However, months later, the Ministry owes significant sums, tying NFF’s hands.
Despite poor results and World Cup risks, they are constrained by unpaid salaries, creating a precarious situation.
Essien emphasizes the dilemma: firing the coach requires compensation, which the Ministry hasn’t fulfilled.
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“When you say NFF should sack the head coach, this regime did not employ him. It was the sports ministry who employed him and they are supposed to have paid their salaries but to date, they have not paid a dime.
If we sack the coach now, who pays for compensation? This is where we find ourselves. Not a dime has been paid to this coach who is earning about $70,000 every month.” Hon. Essien elaborated.
“Definitely we have to respect his contract but if we had the money to give to him, why won’t we relive him? We are not happy.”
The NFF seeks solutions, contemplating player selection and urging commitment from those who qualify to represent Nigeria.
“It’s not all lost. It is for us to ensure that the best of the players is brought in for our matches. That is what must happen.
And we also have to understand that players who are doing well in their clubs should be brought in. We need players who are committed, and who qualify to play for Nigeria.
They should be brought in. We have a lot of them all over Nigeria and all over the world. So let them bring in players who are determined, committed and are going to give Nigeria one hundred per cent.” Hon. Essien ended.
