Former Super Eagles defender, Edema Fuludu has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the reported financial demands of the national team coach, questioning whether a bronze medal finish is enough to warrant such significant expenditure.
Fuludu, who earned eight caps for Nigeria between 1991 and 1995, said while the team’s achievement is commendable, it should not automatically justify a massive financial commitment.
“We are celebrating him for bringing us a bronze medal, but what exactly did he win? Did he win the AFCON for us? If he had won AFCON and requested $200,000, we would gladly give it to him.
“If he had qualified us for the World Cup, we would say yes, he has truly worked,” Fuludu stated.
He stressed that Nigerian coaches have previously delivered major successes for the country, including winning the Africa Cup of Nations, and questioned whether they would receive similar financial packages.
According to him, the issue is ultimately a contractual matter between the relevant authorities and the coach.
“It’s a contract — an offer and acceptance. You either accept it or you don’t. It’s not for the public to debate. It is the responsibility of the NSC and NFF to take a decision and announce the outcome,” he added.
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Fuludu further cautioned against what he described as unnecessary spending of foreign currency, urging football administrators to prioritize the development of indigenous coaches and the growth of the domestic league.
“For me, I don’t think we should throw away foreign currency like that. Let’s invest in our coaching development and allow our league to make real progress.”
His comments come amid growing discussions about the direction of Nigerian football and the balance between hiring foreign expertise and empowering homegrown talent.
