Finidi George is the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
But there has been no official announcement on details of his contract. The former Nigeria international has not even put pen to paper on any contract.
What is more jarring, is that Finidi has not formally left his full-time employment in charge of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side, Enyimba.
However, there is no doubt that he will be the next man after Jose Peseiro.
So why is there a conundrum with the 2026 World Cup qualifier less than a month away?
“I think they are still trying to sort out the contract. They have offered him a few options for assistants and he has made his pick,” Ayodeji Adegbenro, a Sports Administrator, tells DAILY POST.
“The federation is going to get him assistants and he will get the option to bring 3/4 other assistants. Length of contact, all of that will be fixed.
“Finidi has been in Abuja in the last week, sorting all of this paperwork.
“I’m sure they will announce in due time the entire coaching staff.
“This is the Nigeria Football Federation. These things, they take their time
“But the thing is that they should offer him a contract. He should not work like some of the indigenous coaches in the past, where they are hired and fired on the pages of newspapers.
“He’s trying to get a contract for himself which is good. And they have also given him the free hand to pick his assistants, which is a right step in the right direction.”
Another source tells DAILY POST: “According to Victor Ikpeba, a member of the (NFF) technical committee, he will sign a one-year contract with the option of another year.
“He (Finidi) met with the NFF board in Abuja last week.
“His contract and appointment of assistants were the major issues discussed.”
So what would be Finidi’s mandate when he eventually puts pen to paper?
Adegbenro replies: “His mandate is straightforward – to negotiate the World Cup qualifying group and qualify the team for the World Cup at the minimum
“I’m sure all of that will be spelt out clearly.”
Another issue that has been a source of confusion is what happens with Finidi’s employment with Enyimba.
“He is leaving his role at Enyimba,” Adegbenro adds.