The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) faces a financial hurdle in securing highly-regarded French coach Herve Renard as the next head coach of the Super Eagles. Renard has demanded a monthly salary of $180,000 (approximately N253 million), along with several other conditions.
A top NFF official disclosed the negotiations, stating, “Yes, the NFF have made contact with Renard for the Super Eagles job, but the biggest stumbling block is that he is demanding a salary of $180,000 (a month), which in Naira is almost close to 300 million. This will be the highest ever paid to a coach, and the NFF just cannot afford this. This may well be a wild goose chase.”
Renard’s demand significantly surpasses the salary of his predecessor, Jose Peseiro, who initially earned $70,000 a month, which was later reduced to $50,000. Despite the pay cut, Peseiro faced delays in payment, being owed for up to 13 months at one point.
Renard’s coaching credentials are impressive, having won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with both Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire. His success has attracted interest from other national teams, with Egypt reportedly offering him $1.9 million, and his name also being considered for the United States national team coaching position.
The financial strain of meeting Renard’s demands has raised concerns within the NFF. The potential salary would be unprecedented in Nigerian football history. Sports Minister John Enoh emphasized that it is the NFF’s responsibility to finance a foreign coach for the national team.
As the NFF weighs its options, the challenge remains to balance the desire for a high-caliber coach with the financial realities facing the organization.
