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NFF begins search for Peseiro’s replacement

By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 9, 2024

The Nigerian Football Federation is on the hunt for a new coach for the Super Eagles after the federation asked for applications for the vacant role, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The call for applications was posted on NFF’s website on Friday and this move thus ends the time of Jose Peseiro, whose contract as Eagles coach lapsed last month.

The NFF has requested candidates with relevant coaching qualifications, elite experience, winning mentality and good knowledge of African football to apply.

Applications have to be received no later than March 12, 2024, according to the NFF announcement.

The post reads in parts, “Attention passionate and proven football coaches. The Nigeria Football Federation is seeking a visionary leader to lead our senior men’s national team, the mighty Super Eagles.

“This is your chance to lead a team steeped in history and guide them towards even greater glory on the international stage. Are you ready to answer the call?

“Here’s what we’re looking for in our next Super Eagles head coach. Top-tier qualifications: You’ll possess the necessary coaching qualifications to lead a national team.

“Elite Experience – proven experience managing football at the highest level is essential. A successful track record of leading teams to victories is a must while not mandatory, knowledge of African football will be a strong positive.”

Peseiro was due a new contract extension after he surpassed the African Cup of Nations semi-final target set for him by the NFF but negotiations between the Portuguese coach and his employers broke down mainly over salary.

However, the debate on whether a foreign or local coach should head the country’s team has raged on.

Peseiro’s assistant, Finidi George is one of the favorites for the job just as former Tanzania coach Emmanuel Amuneke.

Amuneke has been widely linked with the top post after he assisted Samson Siasia and Augustine Eguavoen previously.

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 inwards,” Enyeama told Lagos Talks in an interview.

“We can start by nurturing and empowering our local coaches. Nigeria can unlock its domestic coaching potential, while still remaining open to collaboration with foreign experts when necessary.”

Enyeama also expressed readiness to be part of the new-look Eagles coaching crew, if offered a job.

Meanwhile, former Eagles midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has declared his interest and availability to lead the Eagles.

When asked if he was best positioned 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 immediate task of the new Eagles coach will be to lead the team during the FIFA friendly window later this month.

In June, the new coach will lead the team to two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers at home against South Africa and away to west African neighbours Benin Republic.

Nigeria are third in the standings for the World Cup qualifying tournament with two points from as many matches.

Rwanda lead the group with four points, while South Africa are second on three points.

Lesotho and Zimbabwe are the other teams in the group with the overall group winners qualifying automatically for the 2026 World Cup.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 9, 2024