Nigeria Football Federation rubbishes Peseiro’s unpaid wages claim

By Olu Dare

The Nigeria Football Federation has dismissed allegations that Super Eagles handler Jose Peseiro has reported them to Fifa over unpaid wages.

The 62-year-old was confirmed as the handler of the three-time African kings after Augustine Eguavoen was shown the way out following the country’s failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

There have been allegations that the Portuguese tactician has not been paid for six months since he was appointed to take charge of the men’s senior team.

However, the NFF has termed the allegations as ‘ridiculous’.

“Most of these speculations and innuendoes are simply ridiculous because we have no problem whatsoever with Mr. Peseiro,” the statement read.

“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 falsehoods 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.”

Sanusi went further claiming that the former Al Ahly and Sporting Lisbon coach is focused on his job despite the wage claim.

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

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