In a statement by Ademola Olajire, its Assistant Director of Communications, Chairman of NFF’s Media and Publicity Committee, Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, was quoted as saying Le Guen said he was not ready to live in Nigeria while working for Nigeria.

According to him, Le Guen’s terms were unacceptable.

He said:

“In truth, the Technical and Development Committee perused the profiles of all the coaches who submitted applications and find Mr Paul Le Guen suitable for the post. But during final negotiations, he objected to being given a target and also did not wish to live in Nigeria, which was a sore point with the Board.”

Yahaya-Kwande added:

“The job of Head Coach of Nigeria is a very big one and there is no way anyone will get such a job without being handed a target. There is absolutely no issue with Le Guen saying he is not coming; several highly qualified persons would be happy to be named Manager of the Senior National Team of Nigeria. We have a plan to take care of that eventuality.”

However, a top source in the NFF told Punch, that Le Guen cited insecurity in the country as part of his reasons for rejecting the offer.

“The fear of a state of insecurity and other disagreements accounted for his rejection of the Eagles job we offered him.

“We were sceptical when Le Guen insisted he was not going to live in the country and we all remember the last experience we had with Sunday Oliseh.

“In fact, Le Guen’s refusal to live in Nigeria was the first point of disagreement and we don’t want to hire another Oliseh as coach of the Super Eagles, who will not live in the country.

“So, we had no option than to terminate the contract discussion because his position of living outside Nigeria while working for Nigeria will not augur well for the country’s football.

“This can also jeopardise the World Cup target we promised Nigerians,’’ the source said.