Jose Peseiro was named as Nigeria's head coach in December 2021 but only officially took charge in May 2022
Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro faces a public battle to keep his job as fans are handed the chance to decide whether he should stay in charge.
The head of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, pledged to canvas supporters for opinions before taking a final decision about the Super Eagles boss.
Former Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Al Ahly coach Peseiro, who has also had spells in charge of Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, officially took charge of the three-time African champions in May 2022 and his contract with the NFF expires on 30 June.
Despite Nigeria securing qualification for next year's Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), the federation has struggled previously to pay the 63-year-old's wages, believed to be $70,000 per month.
"We have the plan to push the votes to Nigerians to hear their views and thoughts," NFF president Gusau announced during an interview on the Gbamm! LovingFootball radio show.
"We've tried the foreign coaches and also the local coaches, and it seems they were having some kind of problems.
"Maybe we didn't get it right in the area of getting the right person.
"We are surely going to push it to the public, whether we should continue with Peseiro or he should go."
Jose Peseiro named new Nigeria coach
Nigeria federation admits failing to pay coaches for several months
Nigeria beyond coaching – Amokachi
Since missing out on a place at the 2022 World Cup, Nigeria have won four and lost five games under Peseiro.
Included in those results were a 10-0 thrashing of Sao Tome and Principe and a 1-0 defeat at home to Guinea-Bissau. Last Sunday, Nigeria needed a stoppage-time winner from Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho to secure the 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone that clinched qualification for next year's Afcon in Ivory Coast.
However, the Portuguese has been heavily criticised by local media and fans for what some deem to be poor team selections and colourless performances.
Gusau previously told BBC Sport Africa his organisation will only pick the best man for the job and nationality will not be a factor.
The previous coach, Augustine Eguavoen, also came under intense criticism after the Super Eagles were knocked out in the last 16 of the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and subsequently failed to reach last year's World Cup in Qatar.
"Whether we are going to consider an indigenous coach, we are also going to push that to Nigerians on the phone," Gusau added.
"The public will to tell us if they think going for a Nigerian will be best for Nigeria at the moment or we appoint another foreign coach.
"We will get their views, look at it and then we will do what we have to do as a board and come out with a decision."
As yet, there is no firm indication of how Gusau, who took up his role in September last year, intends to carry out the poll.
Champions League build-up & Lionesses squad announced
Williamson back in England squad after injury
Wembanyama makes 10 blocks in epic triple-double
A paranormal conspiracy, rooted in grisly real-life murder
Discover the dark origins of a legend…
A sister's quest for the truth…
Thrilling new five-part murder mystery by Mark Healy
Britain's toughest job interview is back
Lord Sugar's class of 2024 chase the ultimate investment
Ease into a serene slumber…
Soothing compositions, complemented by comforting extracts from The Shipping Forecast
The 'unique' teenager who 'will join great Premier League club'
Who has looked imperious? Garth Crooks' Team of the Week
What to expect as Champions League returns
MOTD2: Who will win the Premier League title? Video
Enjoy Pancake Day with these amazing acrobatic celebrations. Video
Mahomes chasing Brady as leader of NFL's new dynasty
Kiptum would have had 'incredible career' – Farah
Chiefs beat 49ers in overtime to defend Super Bowl title
Top five moments of week two in Six Nations. Video
'They have momentum' – Man Utd 'hunting down' rivals
Super saves & lucky breaks – Keating shines for Man City. Video
Sealed with a kiss – the Taylor Swift Super Bowl lives up to hype
Six Nations round two: TMO drama & 'horrible rugby'
Never a doubt in my mind – Kelce on star quarterback Mahomes. Video
Haller winner sees Ivory Coast win Afcon 2023. Video
Furious Sane punches camera as Bayern lose to Leverkusen. Video
'Magnificent' – Stranraer player scores from 60 yards. Video
In pictures – F1's 2024 cars so far
© 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
