Report: NFF to rely on Dangote, MTN, Baba Ijebu, others to pay foreign-based coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is turning to corporate sponsors such as Dangote Group, MTN, Baba Ijebu, and others to resolve the payment issues surrounding the appointment of a foreign-based coach for the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to reports circulating in the Nigerian media space, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau made this disclosure on Wednesday during his appearance before the House Committee on Sports, where he defended the 2025 budget.

Gusau revealed that the federation is currently in discussions with major sponsors to secure financial backing for the payment of a new foreign coach, following the breakdown of the deal with Bruno Labbadia, just days after his announcement as the new Super Eagles coach.

“We are currently in discussion with Dangote Group, BUA, MTN, Baba Ijebu and others on the payment of foreign coach.” he said.

He acknowledged that while interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has done well, the NFF is committed to appointing a foreign coach but needs to first resolve the financial aspect.

He continued: “Though, Eguavoen is doing well, but if we must engage a coach, we must make sure that the issue of payment is sorted.”

Gusau also pointed out that, until February, the federal government had not cleared the outstanding salaries of previous coaches, leading to an 18-month debt to former coach Jose Peseiro, which was only settled after the intervention of the President Tinubu-led government.

“Until last February, the Federal Government did not pay the salary of our former coaches leading to 18-month debt of Jose Peseiro before President Tinubu led government cleared the debt.” he added.

With sponsorship support, the NFF aims to secure a lasting solution to the financial challenges of foreign coach appointments and ensure smooth operations for the Super Eagles moving forward.