Nse Essien, a member of the executive committee, expressed regret and claimed that Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup is already seriously jeopardised after the team managed only two draws in their first two qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. He said that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), would fire coach Jose Peseiro if they had the money to pay him off after two poor performances in World Cup qualifiers.
When making this revelation to reporters on Monday, Essien said, “If we had the money (to pay for compensation), we will be willing to relieve him of his job. We’re not happy.”
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“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.”
The Super Eagles’ sluggish progress towards qualification has drawn criticism for Portuguese coach Peseiro, as South Africa now leads Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with three points. They will also be expected to extend the lead when they travel to Rwanda on Tuesday. Nigeria currently has two points, while Lesotho hosts Benin in South Africa.
In June 2024, Nigeria and South Africa are scheduled to meet in the city of Uyo.
