Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, has revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) still owes him salary from his time as the country’s male senior national team head coach, 19 years after his tenure ended.
Chukwu, who led the team to a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, was relieved of his job in June 2005 during the qualification campaign for the World Cup in Germany. Despite his contributions to Nigerian football, Chukwu is yet to receive his due compensation.
NFF’s Debt to Indigenous Coaches
Chukwu lamented that the NFF only owes indigenous coaches, not foreign coaches, highlighting the unfair treatment of local coaches. “They owe Nigerian coaches. They don’t owe foreign coaches. It is a problem. You employ a local coach who takes a cheap salary, and you owe him,” he said.
Chukwu’s Experience
Chukwu, who has also managed teams in Kenya and Lebanon, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the NFF’s failure to pay him. “I am still being owed up to today. They are still owing me till tomorrow. My files are there with the NFF. I don’t what to do to get them to pay me. The file is there. Go to their office, and you will see how much they owe me.”
Other Coaches Affected
Chukwu’s revelation is not an isolated case. Other indigenous coaches, including the late Super Falcons manager, Godwin Izilien, and current Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, have also spoken out about the NFF’s failure to fulfill their contractual obligations.
NFF’s Financial Challenges
The NFF has admitted to facing huge financial challenges, which have led to unpaid wages and debts to coaches and other staff members. Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said, “The NFF has been facing huge financial challenges, and there is an ongoing effort to resolve all the issues relating to unpaid wages.”
Call to Action
Chukwu’s case highlights the need for the NFF to prioritize paying its debts to indigenous coaches and staff members. The football federation must take responsibility for its financial obligations and ensure that those who have served Nigerian football are compensated fairly and promptly.
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