National Assembly Demands Major Change: Foreign Coach's Salary to Be Included in NFF’s Annual Budget



The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to include the salaries of Super Eagles coaches in its annual budget. This recommendation, aimed at streamlining the payment process, was made during an interactive meeting between the committee and NFF officials on Wednesday. The move seeks to address the ongoing complaints surrounding delays and financial difficulties in paying the head coach of the Super Eagles.

The Committee’s proposal comes as part of broader efforts to ensure better financial management within the NFF, particularly when it comes to handling the high salaries of foreign coaches. With the Super Eagles’ head coach often facing delays in payments, the Committee believes that earmarking the coach’s salary in the national budget would guarantee smoother and more consistent payments, eliminating the financial uncertainties that have plagued the team in the past.

Honourable Kabiru Amadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, emphasized the importance of meeting with the NFF to assess the implementation of their 2024 budget and understand the challenges they anticipate in the lead-up to the 2025 budget appropriation. He noted that such discussions were crucial to ensure transparency and financial accountability, especially for a national team that represents the entire country on the international stage.

Amadu also highlighted the committee’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with the NFF in a way that supports the growth and success of Nigerian football. "It is very necessary for us to be on the same page with the NFF so that we can continue to improve the game," Amadu said. He emphasized that football is a powerful unifying force in Nigeria and that the committee’s objective was to support the NFF in ensuring that the Super Eagles and other national teams thrive in their respective competitions.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both the NFF leadership and the committee to engage in a candid discussion about the challenges facing the football federation. According to Amadu, the session was “robust,” with key issues raised and concerns addressed. He confirmed that the NFF would be required to provide additional details on certain matters before their next budget defense for 2025, demonstrating the committee’s commitment to ensuring that financial resources are properly allocated and managed.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau took the opportunity to thank the House leadership for their continued support, particularly following the Super Eagles’ failed AFCON qualifier against Libya. Gusau expressed his appreciation for the committee’s understanding and assistance, especially during challenging times for the national team.

The suggestion to include foreign coaches’ salaries in the annual budget reflects an increasing awareness within the Nigerian government about the financial challenges facing the NFF. By addressing these concerns proactively, the Committee on Sports aims to ensure that the Super Eagles and other national teams can focus on achieving success without being hindered by administrative and financial difficulties.

As Nigerian football continues to evolve, the collaboration between the National Assembly and the NFF is seen as a positive step towards creating a more stable and effective footballing environment in the country. The outcome of these discussions, particularly concerning the financial planning for the Super Eagles, will likely play a crucial role in the team’s preparations for future competitions.

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