Sports minister meets with NFF top brass as they agree to extend Peseiro's contract ahead of Sunday's game

SPORTS minister John Enoh has held a meeting with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) leaders in search of a solution to the lingering issues surrounding the status of the contract with the Super Eagles Coach ahead of the last African cup of Nations qualifying match.

Head coach Jose Peseiro has been involved in a lingering dispute with the NFF over the extension of his contract. With the Super Eagles set to take on São Tomé and Principe in a dead rubber African Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo, there was a need to resolve the issue, so preparations for the tournament could begin.

Over the weekend, newly-appointed Senator Enoh met with the NFF chairman and his board members in Abuja. This ministerial team which included the permanent secretary in the ministry of sports and some directors agreed with the NFF leadership to extend the contract with the Super Eagles head coach to the end of February 2024.

Among other things, the meeting was briefed that the coach had agreed to a salary cut for the duration of the extended contract. On next weekend's game in Uyo taking place on Sunday September 10, Senator Enoh stated that he will celebrate a victory from the team, which would come as a good welcome gift for him.

Senator Enoh added: “Even though we are home and dry in the qualifying series, I will be excited if the Super Eagles can beat São Tomé and Principe for the generality of Nigerians, as we celebrate this new phase of our sports.”

Among the NFF brass who attended the meeting were president Ibrahim Gusau, first vice president Felix Anyansi-Agwu, secretary Mohammed Sanusi and legal counsel Okey Obi. Following a resolution of the matter, Mr Peseiro released a 23-man squad for next weekend's match.

His squad includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards for the game. There is no place in the final squad for Slavia Prague central defender Igoh Ogbu despite rumours  that he was handed his first call-up.

Mr Peseiro has called for the first time, Belgium-based centreback Jordan Torunarigha and forwards Victor Boniface and Gift Orban. There are also recalls for Portugal-based left back Bruno Onyemaechi and defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika.

Nigeria, on 12 points from their previous five matches, are already guaranteed a place in the finals but must earn at least a point to be sure of topping the group ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau, who are on 10 points and play at home to Sierra Leone in Bissau. NFF officials and Mr Peseiro have reached an agreement for the manager to remain in position for now.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers:

Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

Defenders:

Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium); William Ekong (PAOK FC, Greece); Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)

Midfielders:

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

Forwards:

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Gift Orban (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Boniface (Bayern Leverkusen, Germany)