Super Eagles head coach role hopeful Michael Nsien qualifies USA for FIFA U-20 World Cup

Coach Michael Nsien, who recently applied to become the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has successfully led the USA U20s to the FIFA U20 World Cup qualification following a crucial 1-0 victory over Guatemala in the quarterfinals of the 2024 CONCACAF U20 Championship.

The decisive moment came with a 49th-minute goal from Ruben Ramos Jr. and a vital 90th-minute penalty save by goalkeeper Adam Beaudry, securing the win for the USA at Estadio León on Tuesday.

This victory not only guarantees their spot in the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile but also advances them to the semifinals of the current CONCACAF U20 Championship.

In his application for the Super Eagles head coach role, Nsien highlighted his vision for Nigerian football: “We have the talents but it has been underperforming. When I look at the players and where they come from, they come to the national team with a standard and we need to meet their expectations when they come back. They should play at a higher level for the national team no matter where they play for. I want to help build the standard from the ground floor.”

Nsien also expressed his confidence in his coaching abilities: “I am competent to bring the players and make them believe in the project and make them competitive to face any opponent. I am a Nigerian and I have the coaching competence and license of any foreign coach they may want to bring in. I have full confidence in my ability and translate that to my players and get the best out of them.”