Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro accused of reneging on financial agreement – report

Football agent Jolly Ogu has asserted that coach Jose Peseiro has failed to honour their agreement after Ogu played a pivotal role in securing the coaching position for Peseiro with the Super Eagles. 

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, appointed Peseiro as the Super Eagles head coach in May 2022, months after naming the Portuguese tactician as an observer at the AFCON in January.

Peseiro took over from interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, under whose watch Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The former Real Madrid assistant manager had been out of paid employment after resigning from his role as coach of Venezuela in August 2021.

It has now emerged that Ogu was crucial in getting the NFF to hire Peseiro, who won the Egyptian Premier League with Al Ahly in 2016.

However, according to a report by the Independent Newspapers, Ogu disclosed that despite his instrumental role in facilitating Peseiro's connection with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the Portuguese coach had not paid him his agent fees.

“Coach Peseiro is yet to settle me my share after I helped him secure the job. He is yet to fulfill his agreement. I know what I did for him to get the job. I know the joker I played. Within 48 hrs, the camel’s back is broken,” Ogu stated.

Ogu further explained that Coach Peseiro mentioned withholding $20,000 for someone else, leading to strained communication and Ogu being seemingly disregarded.

The agent also expressed his discontent, shedding light on the coach's decision-making process, particularly regarding the persistent inclusion of Francis Uzoho despite noticeable errors.

“If a player is not playing well, keep him on the bench. When he's good, then bring him back. I suggested this to him, but he didn't listen.

“Football gives joy to Nigerians. We employed this man as we are giving him players' money. I don't know why one goalkeeper will be there forever because of one administrator or agent.

“Nigerians can't afford to lose the World Cup ticket again. We need to ask Peseiro certain questions as to why he's disappointing Nigerians because of one unfit goalkeeper.”

Peseiro has not responded to questions about these allegations as at press time.

The former FC Porto boss has been tasked with guiding the Super Eagles to the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Ivory Coast in January.