Julius OkorieAll things being equal former international and Super Eagles new coach Finidi George will pocket N720 million in the next four years. That translates to N180 million per annum or N15 million per month.
Some say it is good money, especially in a country where the Labour Unions are at daggers drawn with the Federal Government over minimum wage. The Labour Unions are asking for N615, 000 per month or N7.3 million per annum which is approximately half of Finidi’s monthly salary. The government say no way, it is either N48, 000 per month or N576 million per annum or no deal!
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFurther negotiations has seen Labour bending backwards to propose N494,000 per month with the government ready to offer N60, 000 per month or N720,000 per annum.
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Strike, the only language that settles this perennial struggle has taken the centre stage. The question is would you rather settle for the Super Eagles job based on performance and contract rather than go through unending rigors negotiating minimum wage of your so-called pensionable job?
While you are thinking about it, I suppose you think the job of a coach is easy right?
After all, all you need is a crop of professional players who already know that their business is to play to win and only have to adapt to your pattern of achieving the victory, and when that happens you hear an elated coach tell you “my boys played to instruction”.
So realistically in terms of remuneration what you struggle to earn in close to decade can be earned by a coach in two or four years depending on his contract, and in most times there are additions in the form of march bonuses. While you envy the coach for landing a mouthwatering contract, can you stand the stress associated with coaching?
Studies indicate that most elite coaches battle with depression, anxiety and burnout. Most coaches experience anxiety symptoms due to failure of their players to qualify for major competition or meet set targets.
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Burnout is one of the mental health problems identified with elite coaches. The rigors of competition and training preparations, sacrificing personal time and sometimes isolation are all part of the challenges the coach has to battle.
While the employers of the coach and the fans are more concerned about results they are most times unaware of the level of stress the sweat merchant undergoes to achieve victory.
If you imagine having Finidi’s package, also imagine sharing in his challenges and the intermittent migraine that goes with it.
The former Enyimba coach will begin his competitive outing as Super Eagles head coach when he takes on Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a two legged world cup qualifier June 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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