By Victor Kanayo
There are indications that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is already considering engaging another foreign tactician to replace Jose Peseiro whose recent performance has come under intense scrutiny.
Heritage Times HT gathered that the coach being touted is Tom Saintfiet, a Belgian.
A visit to the headquarters of NFF located inside the Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 laid credence to the rumours making rounds as some staff of the Federation were seen discussing the latest development.
NFF Decision
When contacted, a management member of the NFF told Heritage Times HT in confidence that though no one has been contacted to replace Peseiro, there is every possibility that the contract of the current handler of the country’s men senior national team won’t be renewed after the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
“The rumour has been on but what I know is that nobody has been contacted but the technical committee has made several recommendations which includes replacing the current coach.
“But his replacement is not likely to happen before AFCON due to how close the tournament is. There has also been recommendation for an indigenous coach to handle the team. It now depends on the NFF executive board to take their decision,” the in house source said.
Minister’s Intervention
However, while speaking in a special press briefing to mark his 100 days in office, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, expressed his reservation concerning the performance of the current Super Eagles coach but said due to some issues on ground, relieving of his duty before AFCON is being considered.
Senator Enoh said already he has asked the NFF hierarchy to invite Peseiro for a crucial meeting to chat way forward.
