FOOTBALL: Keshi Not Paid For 7 Months

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) owes Super Eagles manager, Stephen Keshi, and members of his back-room staff seven months’ salaries. It was confirmed by NFF President, Aminu Maigari, over the weekend.

According to the statement, delays in payment are connected with the financial constraints the football body has been experiencing recently.

What is more, Maigari points out that the NFF even had to slash the winning bonus of players of the Super Eagles from $10,000 USD to $5,000 USD as a result.

Howerever, the NFF tries to

improve Keshi's financial situation by paying for his hotel bills and feeding. The Federation also provided Keshi with an official car and ensures that any expense he needs to meet as he carries out his official duties are met.

“Let me also use this medium to inform Nigerians that other staff of the NFF have also not been paid for over a year but they have continued working without complaints because they know the constraints we are facing.”

Others affected by the situation include the General Secretary, Barrister Musa Ahmadu; Director of competitions, Mohammed Sanusi; Director technical, Emmanuel Ikpeme, and the Director of finance.

According to Maigari, there are many more

“I am sure a lot of Nigerians do not know that even as the leader of the NFF, I have not received salaries for a single day so people should understand that we are selflessly serving the nation,” Maigari said.

But the NFF President mentioned that all the coaches would be paid their salaries as soon as the situation improves.

Keshi, who took the reins from Samson Siasia in November 2011, led the Nigeria national team to first place at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa, a feat that eluded Nigeria for 19 years. He is just a match away from qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.