The wait is over! NFF set to announce new Super Eagles Coach
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to reveal the identity of the new head coach for the Super Eagles soon, marking the end of a lengthy quest for a successor to Jose Peseiro.
After weeks of deliberation, the NFF is poised to make a decision on whether to stick with the tradition of appointing a foreign coach or opt for a homegrown talent to lead the Super Eagles.
The NFF’s technical committee has leaned towards selecting a European coach, with three potential candidates shortlisted. Among them are former Manchester City assistant manager Domenec Torrent and current Fortuna Sittard head coach Danny Buijs, as per reports presented to the NFF.
However, recent developments, including the clarification from the Sports Ministry that the government won’t be involved in paying the salary of any foreign coach, may have tilted the scales towards considering a former international player for the position.
This shift in focus has possibly positioned Emmanuel Amunike, a former Barcelona winger, and George Finidi, a former Ajax Amsterdam player, as the leading contenders for the role.
Initial indications suggest that Amunike is the preferred choice, with his appointment likely to be confirmed within the next 48 hours.
According to Owngoal Nigeria, the NFF has prepared a contract for the incoming head coach, irrespective of who clinches the position. The reports suggest that the new coach will be offered a two-year contract with a salary below $50,000. The primary task for the appointed coach will be to guide the Super Eagles through the qualification stages for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The contract is also expected to include a clause requiring the coach to aim for at least the semifinals in the upcoming edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. Notably, the last former international player to hold the position of Super Eagles head coach was Sunday Oliseh, a former midfielder for Ajax and Juventus.
