NFF boss drops major hint on Peseiro and Waldrum's futures

NFF's Ibrahim Gusau has suggested that Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro could be set to leave his role with the national team.

Peseiro has been in charge of the Super Eagles since 2022 after replacing Gernot Rohr but has reportedly had several run-ins with the NFF over unpaid wages and the Super Eagles’ performances.

Gusau, speaking to OgaNla media, said the NFF would consult with the technical committee regarding Peseiro’s future, saying, "I can not say Peseiro will continue as the Super Eagles coach, we have a Technical Committee and we have to listen to their recommendation. I am optimistic Nigerians will be happy with our decision.”

He further hinted that the federation was set to part ways with Peseiro, saying that they needed to speak with the player’s lawyers.

Gusau said, "We are discussing with Peseiro and his lawyers, and we hope to conclude with him soon. We have the last qualifying game next month, and we should make a statement before the game."

Since Peseiro’s tenure with the Super Eagles after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, they have claimed a place at the 2023 AFCON coming up in Ivory Coast.

However, the Portuguese manager may not be allowed to lead the team to the tournament if he is dismissed before the final qualification games in September.

Speaking on Super Falcons manager Randy Waldrum, who led the Nigerian Women’s team to a Round of 16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Gusau was again coy about the gaffer’s future, noting that the NFF would have to wait for a recommendation from the technical committee.

Gusau said, "When the contract of the coach expires, we have to allow the Technical Committee to do their job and make a proper recommendation.

"Next month, the Super Falcons will play in the Olympic Qualifiers, and before that time, we must have decided on who will be the coach."

Waldrum has also been in dispute with the NFF over unpaid wages and claimed he was owed up to seven months in salary arrears ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.