Nigerian-American coach Michael Nsien has become one of the leading contenders to become the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng understands.
Nigeria men’s national football team is presently without a head coach after Jose Peseiro vacated the role on March 1st, following the expiration of his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation.
Peseiro, who spent 22 months in charge of the team, led the Super Eagles to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
However, the exit of the former Sporting Lisbon coach has set the NFF in a search for a new head coach for the Super Eagles.
While it is believed that several national team players want the NFF to offer Peseiro a new contract, many Nigerians are calling for the appointment of an indigenous coach.
Former Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amunike and ex-Everton striker Daniel Amokachi have been tipped as frontrunners for the job.
Enyimba international FC manager George Finidi and former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ndubuisi Egbo are also believed to be among the names being considered.
However, LA Galaxy defender Michael Nsien has joined the race for the Super Eagles role, according to PM Express.
Nsien is currently the head coach of the United States U-19 national team after he was promoted from the U-16 squad last year.
The 43-year-old was born in the United States to Nigerian parents and played as a left-back for LA Galaxy, Portland Timbers, and Al-Shaab before switching to coaching in 2018.
Nsien featured for the Nigerian U23 national team that ultimately failed to qualify for the 2004 Olympics in Athens but never played for the Super Eagles.