The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is unpleased by the performance of coach Jose Peseiro of the Super Eagles but can’t afford to fire him due to lack of funds, an official told the press on Monday.
According to executive committee member Nse Essien, if they had the money to pay him off after two poor performances in World Cup qualifiers, he would have been gone.
Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup stuttered again on Sunday after the Super Eagles were held 1-1 by Zimbabwe.
Recall that they also managed a draw in the first game at home against Lesotho, and like in Harare, they also needed to come back from a goal down.
Walter Musona powered in free kick to put Zimbabwe ahead in the first half before Leicester forward Kelechi Iheanacho equalised midway through the second half.
Portuguese coach Peseiro has been singled out for criticism for the Super Eagles’ slow start to qualification.
“If we had the money (to pay for compensation), we will be willing to relieve him of his job, we’re not happy,” NFF member Essien told reporters.
“Everybody is asking for the sack of the head coach. It’s unfortunate that from a possible six points we only have two points. We’re in a very precarious situation.”
South Africa lead Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with three points and will be expected to widen the gap on Tuesday when they visit Rwanda, while Lesotho host Benin in South Africa.
Nigeria had failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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