Nigerian Football Federation Fond Of Owing Local Coaches, Owes Me Since 2004 – Christian Chukwu
Christian Chukwu, the former captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and coach of the national football team, has revealed the ongoing struggle faced by indigenous coaches in Nigeria, particularly regarding unpaid salaries. Despite leading the team to success in the past, Chukwu alleges that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has failed to compensate him for his services, even after 19 years.
Chukwu’s coaching tenure, which included a notable achievement of winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, ended abruptly in June 2005 during the World Cup qualification campaign for Germany. Since then, he claims to have been left unpaid by the NFF, reflecting a broader issue of indigenous coaches being neglected in favor of foreign counterparts.
In a candid assessment of the situation, Chukwu highlighted the discrepancy in how local and foreign coaches are treated, noting that Nigerian coaches often bear the brunt of salary arrears while their foreign counterparts are promptly paid. This disparity raises questions about the value placed on indigenous coaching talent and the lack of financial support provided to them.
Chukwu’s frustration is palpable as he recounts his experience, citing instances where he received better treatment while coaching in countries like Kenya and Lebanon. He emphasizes the demoralizing effect of unpaid salaries on indigenous coaches, questioning whether such practices encourage them to perform at their best or deter them from fully committing to their roles.
The situation appears dire, with Chukwu admitting that despite his efforts, he has been unable to secure his rightful compensation. His files with the NFF remain untouched, a testament to the systemic issues plaguing the organization’s handling of coach payments. Chukwu’s plight is not unique, as he acknowledges that other indigenous coaches share his struggle, with some even deceased before receiving their dues.
When asked about his course of action, Chukwu’s response reflects a sense of resignation and helplessness. He acknowledges the futility of pursuing legal recourse or exerting pressure on the NFF to settle his outstanding salary, suggesting a prevailing sense of impunity within the organization regarding its obligations to indigenous coaches.
In essence, Chukwu’s account sheds light on the systemic challenges faced by indigenous coaches in Nigeria, particularly in terms of unpaid salaries and unequal treatment compared to their foreign counterparts. His story underscores the need for reform within the NFF and greater recognition of the contributions made by local coaches to Nigerian football. Until these issues are addressed, the cycle of neglect and exploitation is likely to persist, hindering the development of indigenous coaching talent and undermining the integrity of Nigerian football.
