National Assembly urges NFF to prioritize integrity in Super Eagles coach hiring

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The legislative arm of Nigeria, the National Assembly, has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritize the integrity of the country in the selection of the next coach for Nigeria’s senior men’s national team.

Following the expiration of the contract of former coach Jose Peseiro, who guided the Super Eagles to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the team has been without a substantive coach since February this year.

With the team’s next challenge being the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, the House Committee on Sports emphasized the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s integrity in the appointment of the new coach.

The committee stressed the need to avoid situations where the name of the country is tarnished due to issues such as non-payment of salaries to former foreign coaches.

However, the House Committee on Sports supports the hiring of a foreign coach if the NFF and the Sports Ministry can ensure timely payment of salaries without any disputes.

Hon. Ekene Adams, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, emphasized the value of considering indigenous coaches who possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and capability to lead the Super Eagles.

Furthermore, the National Assembly underscored the importance of transparency in the selection process to ensure the appointment of the best candidate for the role.

“We need to consider if we have the financial capacity to hire a foreign coach without falling into debt,” Hon. Ekene Adams stated. “We are not against hiring a foreign coach if we can afford to pay them promptly.”

He continued, “We must ensure that the coach we hire is one we can pay without any issues. We will not allow Nigeria’s name to be dragged into disputes. If we have qualified indigenous coaches like Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George, Emmanuel Amunike, and others who have expressed interest and are capable of leading the team to success, they should be given the opportunity.”

The Super Eagles, with two points from two games, are set to host South Africa in Uyo in June before traveling to face Benin Republic’s Squirrels in Abidjan for Match Day 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.