…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has admitted to owing unpaid bonuses and salaries to footballers and coaches.
Among those affected are head coach Jose Peseiro of the men’s senior team and Ladan Bosso, the current coach of the men’s Under-20 team competing in the World Cup quarter-finals in Argentina.
Bosso has reportedly received only three months’ worth of salary over the past fifteen months.
Unsettled Debt with Women’s Team Coach
The NFF is also reported to owe a significant amount, nearly $100,000, to Randy Waldrum, the head coach of the women’s senior team.
This includes bonuses owed from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
The debt remains unresolved, even as Waldrum prepares the Super Falcons for the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup in two months.
Inherited Debts and Appeals for Patience
The coaches have not officially lodged a complaint as Ibrahim Gusau, the current NFF president, inherited most of the debts from his predecessor, Amaju Pinnick.
Gusau has been appealing to players and coaches for patience, acknowledging the financial challenges faced by the federation.
The NFF relies on a percentage of its budget from the government, but it still owes various players, including those in the senior men’s and women’s teams, a range of bonuses.
Efforts to Settle Debts
Gusau has reportedly been in contact with sponsors, urging them to pay outstanding fees to help settle the debts.
The non-payment of wages and allowances has had consequences, such as the Super Falcons squad boycotting training before their 2022 Wafcon third-place play-off match against Zambia.
Additionally, the Super Eagles team has unpaid bonuses dating back to 2021.
Even the Under-20 players currently representing Nigeria in the World Cup are said to be owed qualification bonuses.
NFF’s Response and Commitment
The NFF’s director of communications, Ademola Olajire, acknowledged the challenging financial situation and assured that efforts are underway to resolve the issues regarding unpaid wages.
He expressed that the NFF is not proud of the situation and the new board is working diligently to find solutions to these problems.
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