Financial constraints hinder Super Eagles’ Coach dismissal after Zimbabwe draw

In the aftermath of the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, Nse Essien, a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), acknowledged the dissatisfaction surrounding head coach Jose Peseiro’s performance. However, financial constraints have become a significant hurdle, preventing the NFF from parting ways with the coach.

Essien discussed the situation in an interview with OJB Sports, shedding light on the complexities of the decision-making process. Despite calls from football enthusiasts to terminate Peseiro’s contract following a series of underwhelming results, Essien emphasized the financial limitations faced by the NFF.

He pointed out that the Sports Ministry, responsible for the coaches’ salaries, had not fulfilled their payment obligations. With the coach reportedly earning about $70,000 per month, the NFF is grappling with the challenge of compensating Peseiro if they decide to part ways.

“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 explained.

The NFF’s predicament underscores the financial intricacies involved in the decision-making process, revealing the delicate balance between sporting performance and financial constraints that football governing bodies often navigate.