2024/2025 NPFL Coach sack race: One down! Who is next?

The NPFL sack race for the 2024/2025 season has officially begun, with Lobi Stars firing Coach Eugene Abagbe and appointing Super Eagles legend Daniel “The Bull” Amokachi as their new Technical Adviser. The decision, announced on Sunday, October 5, 2024, comes after Lobi Stars struggled through a rough start to the season, leaving them in 17th place after five matches. Abagbe, who failed to meet the board’s five-match win target, secured only one victory while losing three, forcing the management to make this swift change.

Here are three NPFL coaches in the sack race, whose jobs are hanging by a thread if results don’t improve soon:

1. Bright Ozebagbe – Ikorodu City

With Ikorodu City sitting rock-bottom of the NPFL table, having managed just one point from five matches, Coach Bright Ozebagbe is under immense pressure to deliver or face the sack. After replacing Sadiq Dabiri in March 2024, Ozebagbe led the team to promotion but has struggled in the top flight this season. If he fails to turn things around quickly, especially with the team conceding late goals and lacking firepower in attack, the Lagos-based club might be forced to make a change. Time is running out for Ozebagbe, and fans are calling for immediate improvement.

2. Mohammed Baba Ganaru – Akwa United

Baba Ganaru’s Akwa United, a team once crowned NPFL champions in 2021, has found itself in deep trouble. With just no win this season, Ganaru is under intense scrutiny. With the 2-1 loss to Rivers United FC, his side has now lost three consecutive matches, leaving them in 19th place. The expectation at a club with the ambition and history of Akwa United is much higher, and while Ganaru narrowly helped the team avoid relegation last season, patience seems to be wearing thin. The club’s next match may well determine whether Ganaru stays in charge or becomes the second managerial casualty of the season.

3. Ladan Bosso – Bayelsa United

Former Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso is an outside contender in this NPFL sack race. Bayelsa United has had a poor start to the season, languishing in 18th place. Despite earning a valuable away point against Nasarawa United, the fear of another relegation battle looms large for the club. Bosso’s experience might buy him some more time, but if the team’s form does not improve, he could also be at risk. Bayelsa United will need to find consistency and victories to ensure Bosso’s position remains secure.

Can They Turn it Around?

Despite the pressure and poor results, these coaches still have a chance to turn things around and guide their teams to success. SportsRations’ Nsikakabasi Akpan provides his analysis of their situations:

• Bright Ozebagbe: Ikorodu City have shown flashes of potential, and if Ozebagbe can tighten the defense and get his attack firing, there’s hope for survival. “It’s not too late for Ozebagbe to save Ikorodu City. A few wins can bring confidence back to the team,” Akpan suggests.
• Baba Ganaru: Akwa United’s squad has the talent to push up the table, and Ganaru’s experience could still be valuable. Akpan comments, “If they can secure a win in their next game, it could spark a revival. Ganaru has proven he can handle pressure.”
• Ladan Bosso: Bayelsa United might be struggling, but Bosso has the ecperience to steer the club away from danger. “Bosso’s teams are usually tough to beat. If they build on their recent away point, the season could still turn in their favor,” Akpan concludes.

As the NPFL season progresses, the sack race will continue to draw attention. While one coach has already fallen, the fate of others hangs in the balance. Will they respond to the pressure or fall victim to the unforgiving nature of Nigerian football management? Only time will tell.