Nigerian Sports Minister Urges NFF to Hire Top-Class Foreign Coach

Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Enoh, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to hire a top-class foreign coach for the Super Eagles.

This comes after the team’s poor performances in the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

The NFF announced a few weeks ago that it would bring in a foreign technical adviser to help the team improve. Speaking to Eagle7 FM, Enoh emphasized the importance of selecting a coach who can motivate the players and gain their respect.

“It has to be a name that will inspire the spirit of our nation,” Enoh said. “He has to be a first-class coach with a track record, a pedigree, who will earn the respect of our players.”

The new coach will be appointed before the Super Eagles’ next competitive match in September. This match will be part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The draw for these qualifiers will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, early next month.

Fans and analysts have had mixed reactions to the decision to hire a foreign coach. Some believe it could bring new tactics and discipline to the team, while others think local talent and Nigerian coaches should be given a chance.

Former Super Eagles player Sunday Oliseh commented, “The focus should be on finding the best person for the job, regardless of nationality. The most important thing is to have someone who understands our football culture and can motivate the players.”