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.

Player quality in the Super Eagles

The Super Eagles boast a squad filled with players competing in Europe’s top five leagues.

Victor Osimhen, who finished 8th in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, and Ademola Lookman, who secured 14th place in 2024, headline a talented roster that also includes Victor Boniface, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Maduka Okoye.

Additionally, Nigeria’s player pool is deep. There are promising talents from the domestic league, youth teams and others eligible to switch allegiance from European nations.

The allure of working with such quality players is a major draw for top managers seeking success on the international stage.

The Super Eagles’ rich history in African football is another factor that makes the job attractive. Known as the “Giants of Africa,” Nigeria has lived up to its billing with 15 AFCON medals: three gold, five silver, and eight bronze.

Beyond continental success, the Super Eagles also have an Olympic gold medal from 1996 and six FIFA World Cup appearances.

Coaching a team with such a storied legacy is an opportunity to be part of one of Africa’s most celebrated footballing traditions.

For ambitious managers, it is a chance to solidify their reputations and achieve historic milestones.

Path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Super Eagles’ path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup offers both a challenge and an opportunity. Nigeria currently sits fifth in Group B, which includes South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

Despite earning only three points from their first four games, qualification remains within reach under CAF’s expanded format.

With nine African teams earning direct World Cup spots and an additional slot available via inter-confederation play-offs, the new system increases Nigeria’s chances. To secure their place, the Super Eagles must win at least five of their remaining matches, a task that looks achievable given the relative strength of the group.

The opportunity to guide Nigeria back to the World Cup, after missing out on the 2022 edition, adds further allure to the role. A strong showing in the qualifiers could set the stage for a manager to lead one of Africa’s most talented teams on football’s biggest stage.

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