AFCON 2025
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that they are in talks with major brands in the country for funds to pay a foreign manager if one is hired.
According to the President of the NFF, Ibrahim Gusua, the body is talking to telecommunications giants MTN, popular lottery company Baba Ijebu and BUA to pay the allowances of the foreign coach.
He added that interim coach, Austin Eguavoen is doing well with the team and if the need arises for a foreign coach, the issue of payment must not be a problem.
“We are currently in discussion with Dangote Group, BUA, MTN, Baba Ijebu and others on the payment of foreign coach. Though, Eguavoen is doing well, but if we must engage a coach, we must make sure that the issue of payment is sorted.”
Austin Eguavoen who also serves as the technical director of the federation was asked to take charge of the team after talks with German coach Bruno Labbadia broke down in August.
The NFF walked away from the deal because the seasoned German tactician reportedly demanded that his taxes in Germany, while working as Super Eagles coach, be paid by the football federation.
Eguavoen has won three games technically and drawn one in four matches in his latest stint as coach of the Super Eagles.
The former Super Eagles captain will take charge of the team in the final round of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda later this month.
The Super Eagles top Group D with 10 points after 4 matches in the qualification series.
