The The Nigerian Football Federation is searching for a new coach for the Super Eagles after requesting applications for the open position. PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The request for applications was posted on the NFF’s website on Friday, signaling the end of Jose Peseiro’s time as Eagles coach as his contract expired last month.
The NFF is seeking candidates with appropriate coaching qualifications, significant experience, a winning mindset, and a good understanding of African football.
According to the NFF announcement, applications must be submitted by March 12, 2024.
A part of the post says, “Attention passionate and proven football coaches. The Nigeria Football Federation is searching for an inspirational leader to guide our senior men’s national team, the powerful Super Eagles.
“This is your opportunity to lead a team with a rich history and steer them towards even greater success on the global stage. Are you ready to step up?
“Here’s what we’re seeking in our next Super Eagles head coach. Top-tier qualifications: You must have the necessary coaching qualifications to lead a national team.
“Significant Experience – proven experience in managing football at the highest level is crucial. A successful track record of leading teams to victories is a necessity, while familiarity with African football will be a strong advantage.”
Peseiro was supposed to receive a contract extension after exceeding the African Cup of Nations semi-final target set by the NFF, but negotiations with the Portuguese coach fell through mainly due to salary disagreements.
However, the discussion on whether a foreign or local coach should lead the country’s team continues.
Peseiro’s assistant, Finidi George, is one of the top candidates for the position, as well as former Tanzania coach Emmanuel Amuneke.
Amuneke has been closely linked to the top job after previously assisting Samson Siasia and Augustine Eguavoen.
Former captain, Vincent Enyeama, urged the NFF to appoint a local coach.
“I am not saying we shouldn’t get a foreign coach, but we can look within,” Enyeama told Lagos Talks in an interview.
“We can start by developing and empowering our local coaches. Nigeria can unleash its domestic coaching potential, while still being open to collaborating with foreign experts when necessary.”
Enyeama also expressed willingness to be part of the new-look Eagles coaching staff, if given the opportunity.
Meanwhile, former Eagles midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has announced his interest and availability to lead the Eagles.
When asked if he was the best candidate to lead Nigeria, Okpala said, “Yes, if I am given a chance.”
Okpala, who won the AFCON title in 1980 as a player and as an assistant coach in 2013, said it was high time a local coach is appointed as Peseiro’s successor.
“I’ve won the Nations Cup as a player, and I have won it as an assistant coach to Keshi, the record is there. It is not easy. It’s not by luck or mathematics, it’s by knowledge.
“If I am given a chance, I will do wonders with these boys. I’m very good at reading games, and that gives me an advantage too.
The new Eagles coach's first job will be to lead the team during the FIFA friendly window later this month.
In June, the new coach will lead the team for two important 2026 World Cup qualifiers at home against South Africa and away to west African neighbors Benin Republic.
Nigeria is in third place in the World Cup qualifying tournament standings with two points from two matches.
Rwanda is leading the group with four points, while South Africa is in second place with three points.
Lesotho and Zimbabwe are the other teams in the group with the group winners automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
