A board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nse Essien, has said they would have sacked head coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, if they could afford it.
Essien made this claim in an interview with OJB Sports following their 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The result means Peseiro’s men have taken only two points from a possible six, as they also drew 1-1 with Lesotho three days prior.
The performances have led to football fans calling on the NFF to fire Peseiro.
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But Essien has explained why it would not be a straightforward decision.
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.”