Nigeria’s quest to appoint a successor to former head coach Jose Peseiro is nearing its conclusion, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) slated to convene next week for deliberations on the matter.
Following Peseiro’s departure, the Super Eagles have been under the interim stewardship of Finidi George. Peseiro, who guided Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, did not see his contract renewed upon its expiration last month.
The NFF has confirmed that over 50 coaches have expressed interest in assuming the mantle left by the Portuguese tactician.
The forthcoming decision, eagerly awaited by fans and stakeholders alike, is expected to be announced following the NFF board’s meeting next week, as disclosed by a member of the NFF Technical Committee.
The urgency to appoint a new coach stems from Nigeria’s upcoming crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Uyo.
The NFF is keen on ensuring the new coach is in place well ahead of this pivotal fixture.
However, the selection process is not without its complexities, as various factions within the NFF advocate for their preferred candidates.
With memories of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup still fresh, there is a concerted effort to avoid a repeat of past missteps.
“We do not want to make the type of mistake that cost Nigeria the 2022 World Cup,” emphasized a source familiar with the deliberations.
The caution exercised by both the board of directors and the technical committee underscores the gravity of the decision-making process.
While there are proponents for the continuity of Finidi George in the role, lobbying efforts behind closed doors are pushing for alternative candidates, including Emmanuel Amunike.
As Nigeria prepares to embark on its World Cup qualifying campaign, the appointment of a new head coach will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the Super Eagles’ journey on the international stage.
