Why NFF cannot sack Super Eagles coach Peseiro – Official

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 17: Jose Peseiro of Nigeria during the friendly match between Portugal and Nigeria at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 17, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Council member, Nse Essien, has said the football body would not hesitate to pay off Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro if funds are available.

Calls for the sack of Peseiro intensified after the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

It is now back-to-back draws for the Eagles who can go four points behind leaders South Africa, who will play Rwanda on Tuesday in their second Group C game.

Prior to the game against Zimbabwe, Peseiro’s side had forced a 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo on Thursday.

“If you check the internet almost everyone is asking for the sack of the head coach,“ Essien said in a video posted on X.

“It’s unfortunate that out of six points we have just two and we find ourselves in very precarious situation.

“When people say NFF should sack the head coach, we didn’t employ him, if you look at it the Sports Ministry employed him and we suppose to have paid their salaries but up till now they’ve not paid a dime.

“If you sack the coach now who pays for compensation? So that’s where we find ourselves. Not a dime has been paid to this coach who is earning about $70,000 every month.

“We have to respect his contract but if we have the money to give to him we are going to relieve him definitely, we are not happy.“

Up next for the Eagles is the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

They will resume in the World Cup qualifiers in June 2024 with a home game against South Africa on matchday three.

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