The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a public call to all former Super Eagles coaches, urging them to come forward if they are being owed salaries or entitlements by the federation.
This move follows recent claims that the late Christian Chukwu, former captain of the 1980 AFCON-winning team, was allegedly owed $128,000 by the NFF.
Chukwu passed away on Saturday, April 12, in Enugu at the age of 74. Following his death, a past interview from 2024 resurfaced online, in which he accused the football body of neglecting its financial responsibilities to him.
His passing reignited debates over how former football heroes are treated in the country, especially concerning financial entitlements.
However, the NFF, through its General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, has denied owing the legendary coach.
Speaking to reporters, Sanusi stated that records available at the NFF headquarters do not show any form of debt to Chukwu.
“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi stated firmly.
He further explained that a committee was established during the first tenure of former NFF president, Amaju Pinnick (2014–2018), to investigate and address any outstanding salaries owed to past coaches.
The initiative, according to Sanusi, was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability within the organization.
“During the first term of the board headed by Mr Amaju Pinnick, a committee was set up to diligently peruse the papers of coaches who were being owed, even from previous NFF administrations,” he added.
Moreover, Sanusi noted that the late Chukwu served under the NFF between 2002 and 2005 before being relieved of his position after a 1-1 World Cup qualifying match against Angola in Kano.
Despite this, he emphasized that no valid claim or documentation regarding unpaid wages was ever found or submitted on behalf of the late coach.
“I am aware that the ‘Chairman’ was in the employ of the NFF between 2002 and 2005, before he was relieved of the post following the 1-1 draw with Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Kano in August 2005.
There is certainly no record of indebtedness to him in the NFF,” Sanusi clarified.
Furthermore, the NFF reaffirmed its commitment to fairness and transparency in dealing with both current and former employees.
Sanusi made it clear that any genuine and documented claim brought before the federation would be treated with urgency.
“As a credible organisation that is very much alive to its responsibilities, if we are confronted with any genuine document of indebtedness to any coach, we will offset the debt immediately,” he assured.
Meanwhile, reactions have been mixed. Some fans believe that the federation should re-examine its records in light of Chukwu’s reputation and legacy.
In addition, this move by the NFF seems necessary to avoid situations where misinformation could spread and damage the integrity of the football body.
