The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is grappling with the daunting prospect of meeting the salary demands of Herve Renard, the highly sought-after French coach eyed for the Super Eagles’ head coaching position. Renard has reportedly requested a monthly salary of $180,000 (approximately N253 million), alongside other stipulations.
A senior NFF official disclosed, “Yes, we have reached out to Renard for the Super Eagles job, but the major obstacle is his demand for a $180,000 monthly salary, which translates to nearly 300 million Naira. This would mark the highest salary ever paid to a coach, and unfortunately, it exceeds what the NFF can afford. This situation may prove to be an insurmountable challenge.”
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Reports indicate that Egypt has offered Renard $1.9 million, while his name has also surfaced in discussions for the head coach role with the United States national team. Renard, 54, boasts previous successes including winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire.
Notably, the immediate past foreign coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, agreed to a significant salary reduction to extend his tenure until the postponed AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire. Peseiro’s initial $70,000 monthly salary was later reduced to $50,000, with reports of substantial payment delays extending up to 13 months at times.
Sports Minister John Enoh has reiterated that the financial responsibility for hiring a foreign coach for the national team falls squarely on the NFF.