The head coach role for the Super Eagles has been in flux since February 2024.
After leading the team to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, Portuguese manager José Peseiro opted against renewing his contract with the three-time African champions.
Following Peseiro’s departure, his assistant, Finidi George, assumed interim duties but endured a brief, unsuccessful stint. George resigned in June after a series of poor results, leaving Austin Eguavoen to step in as interim coach.
Eguavoen has since been managing the team, recording three wins, one loss, and a draw, including securing qualification for the 2025 AFCON.
Despite this, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appears keen on appointing a foreign coach as they can’t vouch for the competence of the former Eagles full back. Reports indicate interest from several high-profile managers, including Herve Renard, who was reportedly enthusiastic about the prospect of leading the Super Eagles.
Other notable applicants include Antonio Conceição, Tom Saintfiet, Fabio Cannavaro, and former Manchester United youth coach Jonathan Hill.
Soon after the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, President of the Nigeria Football Federation Ibrahim Gusau, while defending the 2925 budget, told the House Committee on Sports that the football house was turning to corporate sponsors such as Dangote Group, MTN, Baba Ijebu, and others to resolve the payment of a foreign coach for the Super Eagles.
He acknowledged that while interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has done well, the NFF is committed to appointing a foreign coach but needs to first resolve the financial aspect.
He continued: “Though, Eguavoen is doing well, but if we must engage a coach, we must make sure that the issue of payment is sorted,” Gusau emphasised. From Gusau’s statement, it is clear that the NFF is still determined to go for a foreign coach and Eguavoen’s mandate as interim coach will soon end.
It is also on record that the vacant position in the Super Eagles setup still attracts some high profile coaches. Why does the role hold such appeal? Here are three key reasons.
Vanguard
