Former Nigeria international Samson Siasia has raised concerns over what he sees as unequal treatment of local coaches compared to foreign counterparts by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Soccernet.ng reports.
Siasia emphasized that local coaches do not receive the same level of appreciation and job security as foreign coaches.
He criticized the NFF for its tendency to quickly dismiss local coaches after one defeat, while giving foreign coaches more time to prove themselves.
Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who signed a $70,000 deal with the NFF, managed the Nigerian national team for 22 months before finding success in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, Siasia points out that local coaches are often not given the same opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Former Chelsea player Celestine Babayaro also mentioned in the conversation the NFF’s coddling of foreign coaches.
“We had a white guy who came after he lost. The NFF not only increased the money, they also sent him on a coaching course.” Babayaro said, and Siasia replied, “And us, they don’t want to send us anywhere and they want us to get better.”
The issue of salary disparity was also raised, with Siasia criticizing the NFF for offering significantly lower salaries to local coaches compared to their foreign counterparts.
He argued that the disparity in salaries makes it challenging for local coaches to support themselves and their staff.
“They will pay the white man $50,000 monthly, and local employees ₦1,000,000. Of the million naira, the coaching staff also takes in, and you also have to feed your family.” he added.
As the NFF continues its search for the next coach of the Super Eagles, former player Emmanuel Amuneke has been linked with the role.
“They didn’t give Nigerian people (local coaches) four years, if you lose one match they (NFF) will fire you. That is the truth. The white people will come, you give them (more time), (and) you pay them more money.” Siasia said at Athlst.
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