Unpaid Salary: Oliseh speaks on dragging NFF to FIFA

Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) still owes him $26,000, representing two months of unpaid salary from his time as national team coach.

Speaking on the Home Turf podcast, the former Nigerian international said that although he could easily win a case against the NFF at FIFA, he has chosen not to pursue legal action out of patriotism and respect for his country.

Oliseh, who managed the Super Eagles between 2015 and 2016, explained that he has received several calls and advice from well-meaning Nigerians urging him to take the matter to the world football governing body. However, he insists that taking such a step would be misunderstood by the public.

“Till today, I am the only Nigerian coach who voluntarily resigned from the national team job. The NFF still owes me two months’ salary, which is $26,000.

Many people have encouraged me to go to FIFA or court to claim what is mine, but I won’t take my fatherland to a western court. If I went to FIFA, I am sure I would win.

The sad part is that the media would twist the story and write, ‘Oliseh takes Nigeria to court,’ instead of saying, ‘Oliseh takes NFF to court.’”

Oliseh’s remarks highlight the long-standing issue of unpaid wages and poor treatment of local coaches by football authorities in Nigeria. Despite his grievances, he maintained that his love for the country outweighs any personal loss.

The 51-year-old, who captained the Super Eagles to victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups, said he prefers to move forward positively rather than engage in a public dispute that could embarrass the nation.

“For me, Nigeria gave me everything. I played for my country, captained my country, and coached my country. I would rather focus on the good memories than allow money to come between me and my fatherland,” he added.

Oliseh remains one of Nigeria’s most respected football figures, known for his strong principles and deep sense of patriotism.