One of Africa's biggest footballing nations has confessed that they have not paid many of their coaches, including outstanding payments for one of their iconic bosses who has passed away.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has admitted that they have not been compensating their coaches.
Read: Footballer set for trial after importing R1.5bn worth of drugs
Some of the missing wages are for several former national team bosses, as well as the current manager Jose Peseiro, who was appointed in May 2022.
While the reigning Super Eagles coach has consistently refused to speak on the matter, despite reports that he has at least 10 months in unpaid earnings, NFF director of communications Ademola Olajire has now confirmed that the federation is "not proud" that this is indeed the case.
"The NFF has been facing huge financial challenges and there is an ongoing effort to resolve all the issues relating to unpaid wages," he told BBC Sport Africa.
"It is unfortunately not something to be proud of and the new board of the federation is working hard to resolve the problems."
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau is said to have inherited massive debt from his predecessor Amaju Pinnick, who was at the helm between October 2014 and September 2022, when former Nigeria coaches such as Augustine Eguavoen, Samson Siasia, Sunday Oliseh, Gernot Rohr, Florence Omagbemi, and the late Stephen Keshi were affected.
Gusau has appealed to players and officials to remain patient as they try to sort out the situation, and no complaints have been made by the coaches yet.
Peseiro did address questions on the matter in March, stating that he had no interest in engaging with the public about the situation.
"The situation about my salary is between me and the NFF. I can't share nothing on it," the Portuguese tactician told BSN Sports.
"I can share the information with my wife because she is my wife and there is no problem about that.
"It's not all about the money. All we need now is to focus on Guinea match on Friday because we are one step away from qualifying."
Read: International footballer punches fan for alleged racism
Another affected member is current Nigeria men's U20 coach Ladan Bosso, who has reportedly received three months' salary in the past 15 months.
Bosso's young Super Eagles are currently at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina, and his team stunned many when they knocked out the hosts by a 2-0 scoreline in the round of 16 on Wednesday.
Furthermore, women's senior team coach Randy Waldrum is owed more than $100 000 (R1.9 million), including bonuses from last year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: