The cash-strapped Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has received a financial boost from an energy company worth around US$9.2 million over the next five years.

The deal with the Aiteo Group will commence on 1 May.

“This will make it easier for us to plan adequately for our national teams,” NFF boss Amaju Pinnick said.

“It is important to note that this will also take care of the national team coaches’ salaries.”

Pinnick hopes that this means no repeats of problems paying national team coaches that has troubled the NFF in the past.

“There will be no owing of coaches for the next five years,” he added.

“This lucrative deal with Aiteo will cover all the national teams and has an option of a one-year extension.”

“We are happy to have a sponsor come in at this crucial time and this is a big boost for our football.”

Former Nigeria coaches Christian Chukwu, Shaibu Amodu, Samson Siasia, Austin Eguavoen, Sunday Oliseh and the late Stephen Keshi have all previously complained about outstanding salaries in recent years.

BBC Sports