NFF says they lack cash to sack Peseiro

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) would give coach Jose Peseiro the boot if they had the cash to pay him off after two dismal performances in World Cup qualifiers, according to executive committee member Nse Essien.

Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup is already in grave danger after they settled for only two draws in their first two qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Walter Musona netted directly from a free kick to put Zimbabwe in front in the first half, and Leicester forward Kelechi Iheanacho levelled the score midway through the second half.

Portuguese coach Peseiro has been targeted for criticism for the Super Eagles’ sluggish start to qualification.

“If we had the cash (to pay for compensation), we would be eager to dismiss him from his job; we’re not happy,” NFF member Essien told reporters.

“Everybody is demanding the sack of the head coach. It’s unfortunate that from a potential six points, we only have two. We’re in a very critical situation.”

South Africa is in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with three points and will be expected to extend the gap on Tuesday when they travel to Rwanda, while Lesotho hosts Benin in South Africa.

Nigeria, who missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, have two points from as many matches.

The qualifiers will resume in June 2024, with Nigeria hoping to recover lost ground when they host South Africa in the southern city of Uyo before a tough trip to Benin.