NFF Faces Financial Hurdle in Pursuit of Hervé Renard as Super Eagles Coach
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is facing a significant financial challenge in their bid to appoint Hervé Renard as the next coach of the Super Eagles. The highly sought-after French coach has demanded a monthly salary of $180,000 (approximately ₦253 million), among other conditions.
A top official stated, “Yes, the NFF has 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, 54, has an impressive track record, having won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with both Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire. His success has made him a highly coveted coach, with Egypt reportedly offering him $1.9 million, and his name being discussed for the coaching position of the United States national team.
The NFF’s financial constraints are highlighted by the fact that the previous foreign coach of the Super Eagles, José Peseiro, had to accept a significant pay cut to extend his contract until the delayed AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. Peseiro’s initial salary was $70,000 per month, which was later reduced to $50,000. Despite the pay cut, he was owed for up to 13 months at a time.
Sports Minister John Enoh has emphasized that it is the NFF’s responsibility to fund the hiring of a foreign coach for the national team. However, the NFF’s financial limitations make it challenging to meet Renard’s salary demands.
The pursuit of Renard, given his high salary expectations, seems increasingly unlikely for the NFF, raising questions about the federation’s ability to attract top-tier coaching talent within their budget constraints.
Who is Hervé Renard
Hervé Renard is a French football coach known for his success with African national teams. Born on September 30, 1968, Renard has an impressive coaching career, including winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Zambia in 2012 and with Côte d’Ivoire in 2015.
He has also managed several clubs and national teams across various continents, earning a reputation for his tactical acumen and ability to inspire teams. His coaching style is characterized by discipline, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the game. it is believed he will do well as Super Eagles Coah following the resignation of Finidi.
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