Real reason managers are attracted to Nigeria’s Super Eagles

The head coach position for Nigeria’s Super Eagles has remained uncertain since February 2024, following the departure of Portuguese tactician José Peseiro, who guided the team to a runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Despite his success, Peseiro chose not to renew his contract with the three-time African champions.

In his absence, Finidi George briefly held interim duties but resigned in June after a string of poor results.

Austin Eguavoen stepped in as the second interim coach and has since achieved three wins, one loss, and a draw, successfully steering the team to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) remains unconvinced of Eguavoen’s long-term capabilities, prompting their pursuit of a foreign manager.

High-profile names linked to the role include Herve Renard, Antonio Conceição, Tom Saintfiet, Fabio Cannavaro, and Jonathan Hill.

Renard, in particular, has reportedly shown enthusiasm about leading the Super Eagles.

However, financial constraints remain a significant hurdle. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau recently disclosed that the federation is turning to corporate sponsors, including Dangote Group, MTN, and Baba Ijebu, to fund the hiring of a foreign coach.

Gusau acknowledged Eguavoen’s commendable performance but reaffirmed the NFF’s commitment to securing a foreign manager once the financial issues are resolved.

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.

Nigeria’s footballing pedigree

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

This ongoing search reflects the NFF’s desire to elevate the Super Eagles’ international standing, while grappling with the complexities of budgetary limitations.