NFF denies rift with Super Eagles coach José Peseiro, admits they owe him

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied claims of a strained relationship with Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Mr. José Santos Peseiro.

General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, released a statement debunking claims of a rift with José Peseiro, following media speculations of him (Peseiro) reporting the federation to FIFA over his wages, and the NFF allegedly impanelling an interim coaching crew to do the job of the Head Coach in the event of a breakdown in relationship.

The NFF admitted that they owe Peseiro, but added that they are working with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to settle his wages.

The statement further disclosed that the Super Eagles Head Coach has been doing his work without entertaining any distractions, and has even compiled his list of players for the upcoming international friendly game with Portugal in Lisbon on 17th November.

The statement read;

“Most of these speculations and innuendoes are simply ridiculous, because we have no problem whatsoever with Mr. Peseiro. He is doing his job as Head Coach of the Super Eagles and, contrary to some of the more fictitious claims, he has not reported the NFF to FIFA with regards to his wages.

“I want to appeal to the media to make efforts to get their facts right before going to press. There is no need to speculate and engage in half-truths and outright falsehood in these matters. Some of these speculations and innuendoes create disharmony and disenchantment in key quarters. The NFF and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development are working on Mr. Peseiro’s wages and these will be settled shortly.

“We have a friendly match against Portugal coming up in Lisbon on Thursday, 17th November. Peseiro has compiled a provisional list and is only waiting for this weekend’s matches to submit his list of 23 players.

“We have a cordial relationship with the Head Coach. He is doing his job and focused on his objectives. The media should desist from reports and speculations that are aimed at causing discontentment and disenchantment among the Ministry of Sports, NFF, and Peseiro, as all parties are working in harmony.”