NFF Says No Money to Sack Peseiro

In the wake of the Super Eagles’ lackluster performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Nse Essien, a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has disclosed that financial constraints are the primary hurdle preventing the dismissal of head coach Jose Peseiro.

Speaking exclusively to OJB Sports after the team’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, Essien expressed the collective frustration felt by football enthusiasts, emphasizing that if financial resources were abundant, Peseiro would have already been ousted.

The Super Eagles’ recent results, which include a previous 1-1 draw with Lesotho, have ignited a wave of discontent among fans, prompting calls for a change in leadership. Peseiro’s men now find themselves with just two points from a potential six, raising concerns about their qualification prospects for the World Cup.

In the interview, Essien shed light on the complexities of the situation, asserting that while the desire to relieve Peseiro of his duties exists, the financial implications make it an intricate decision. The NFF board member hinted at the delicate balance between the team’s performance expectations and the available budget.

He said: “The Sports Ministry who employed him were supposed to pay for their salaries. But up till now, nothing has been paid.

“If we sack the coaches now, who will pay compensation?

“Not a dime has been paid yet to this coach who earns about $70,000 a month.

“We have to respect Jose Peseiro’s contract.

“If we had the money to give to him (pay him off) we are going to relieve him. We are not happy.”

Essien’s revelation has added fuel to the growing discontent within the football community, with fans intensifying their calls for a change in coaching personnel. The financial limitations, however, cast a shadow of uncertainty over the immediate future of the Super Eagles’ coaching staff.

As the pressure mounts on the NFF to address the team’s underwhelming performance, the board faces a critical juncture where tough decisions must be made, balancing the aspirations of a nation hungry for football success with the financial realities that shape the sport’s landscape.