The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly considering terminating coach Jose Peseiro’s contract due to the team’s disappointing performance in the World Cup qualifiers.
Executive committee member Nse Essien stated that the NFF would dismiss Peseiro if they had the funds to pay him off. Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are at risk following their underwhelming results, having only secured two draws in their initial qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Walter Musona scored direct from a free kick to put Zimbabwe ahead in the first half and Leicester forward Kelechi Iheanacho equalised midway through the second half.
Portuguese coach Peseiro has been singled out for criticism for the Super Eagles’ slow start to qualification.
“If we had the money (to pay for compensation), we will be willing to relieve him of his job, we’re not happy,” NFF member Essien told reporters.
“Everybody is asking for the sack of the head coach. It’s unfortunate that from a possible six points we only have two points. We’re in a very precarious situation.”
South Africa leads Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with three points and will be expected to widen the gap on Tuesday when they visit Rwanda, while Lesotho hosts Benin in South Africa.
Nigeria, who failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, have two points from as many matches.
The qualifiers will resume in June 2024 with Nigeria hoping to make up lost ground when they welcome South Africa to the southern city of Uyo, before a tricky trip to Benin.
Source: Vanguard
