NFF Expresses Frustration with Peseiro’s Performance but Lacks Funds for Termination

Nse Essien, a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has revealed that the federation would have sacked Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro if they could afford it.

Essien made this statement in an interview with OJB Sports following Nigeria’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. The result means that Peseiro’s men have taken only two points from a possible six, as they also drew 1-1 with Lesotho three days prior to the Zimbabwe match.

These performances have led to widespread calls from football fans for the NFF to fire Peseiro. However, Essien has explained that this would not be a straightforward decision due to financial constraints.

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

Essien further highlighted the financial implications of sacking Peseiro, stating, “If we sack the coaches now, who will pay compensation?”

He added that Peseiro, who earns about $70,000 a month, has not yet received any payment from the Sports Ministry.

Essien emphasized the importance of respecting Peseiro’s contract, saying, “We have to respect Jose Peseiro’s contract.”

He reiterated the federation’s desire to terminate Peseiro’s contract, stating, “If we had the money to give to him (pay him off) we are going to relieve him. We are not happy.”

The NFF’s financial constraints have made it difficult to sack Peseiro, despite the team’s underwhelming performances. The federation’s inability to secure funding from the Sports Ministry has left them with no choice but to continue with Peseiro, despite the growing dissatisfaction among fans.