Former Wimbledon and England striker John Fashanu has declared his intention to manage Nigeria’s national football team, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the Super Eagles with the right support team around him.
The 62-year-old made his aspirations public during a media engagement in Ogun State, where he spoke candidly about his ambition to take the reins of one of Africa’s most high-profile national teams.
“I want to be the manager of the Eagles,” Fashanu said. “It is one of the toughest jobs in this country. But I say I can do it with the right people, those who understand football.”
Despite having no managerial experience since retiring from professional football in 1995, Fashanu dismissed the notion that his interest in the role was financially motivated.
He emphasized that his goal was not to gain personal profit, but rather to reshape the national team with a focus on talent, mentality, and national pride.
“It’s not about how much you can give us, Fash,” he said, addressing a perception he claims has followed him. “How much you have for us, how many millions we can get from you.
That is not the point. It’s about recruiting players who can perform at a high level internationally, who have the right mentality, the right character, and most importantly, the willingness to play for Nigeria.”
Fashanu’s remarks reflect a desire to contribute to Nigerian football in a leadership capacity, despite the long-standing debate over appointing foreign versus local coaches.
His emphasis on building a team culture rooted in character and commitment aligns with the growing sentiment among fans for a more passionate and disciplined national squad.
Although he wore the England shirt in a 1989 friendly against Chile, which was his sole international appearance, Fashanu was eligible to play for Nigeria through heritage.
He has openly expressed regret over not representing the Super Eagles during his playing days and views this coaching ambition as a way to make amends for that lost opportunity.
During his playing career, Fashanu was renowned for his physical style and leadership on the pitch. This was particularly evident during his time at Wimbledon, where he was a key part of the club’s historic FA Cup win in 1988. He also had spells with Aston Villa, Norwich City, and Millwall before hanging up his boots.
Since retirement, Fashanu has remained in the public eye through punditry and advocacy, often weighing in on footballing matters concerning Nigeria.
However, this marks the first time he has publicly offered himself for the top coaching job in Nigerian football.
As Nigeria continues to evaluate its coaching structure following mixed results in recent competitions, Fashanu’s bold declaration adds a new voice to the conversation.
While the Nigeria Football Federation has yet to comment on his statement, the idea of appointing a coach with both international experience and Nigerian roots could provoke strong opinions among supporters and analysts alike.
For now, Fashanu remains optimistic that his vision, if backed by the right personnel and a shared commitment to excellence, could make a meaningful impact on the Super Eagles’ future.
