United States U-19 coach Michael Nsien challenges Emmanuel Amunike for Super Eagles job: “I am the best…”

Nigerian-American coach Michael Nsien is convinced he is better positioned than other candidates to become the head coach of the Nigerian men’s national football team, Soccernet.ng reports.

The race to succeed Jose Peseiro as head coach of the Super Eagles is getting intense, with several top-quality gaffers showing interest in the high-pressure job.

One of the first to submit their applications when the Nigeria Football Federation announced the vacancy last week, Emmanuel Amunike is considered the favourite to land the role.

The former Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona winger has been challenged for the position by 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner Sylvanus Okpala.

Reports also suggest that former Cameroon national team tactician Antonio Conceicao has shown interest in coaching the Super Eagles.

Former Ajax and Juventus midfielder Sunday Oliseh has also confessed that he is open to returning to the post he held for less than a year in 2015 before quitting due to a disagreement with the NFF.

Enyimba coach George Finidi is also believed to be eyeing a promotion from being Peseiro’s assistant to taking charge of the Super Eagles permanently.

However, Nsien, who is currently the U.S. men’s U-19 national team coach, is convinced that he has the best credentials of the aspiring pack to lead the Super Eagles.

“I am the best of both worlds,” Nsien said, per the Punch.

“As a Nigerian-American, I have a passion for the Super Eagles; I also know the responsibilities that come with that position as head coach.

“I have experience working in an environment that spares no expense in technology, has top scouting infrastructure, and coaching collaboration from top to bottom.

“I know where we are at in Nigerian football, and I know the gap that exists. I can bridge the gap and help us reach the level that we should be at in world football. It’s time to change course and move forward. I want to put smiles on the faces of our people.”

During his active playing days, Nsien featured for clubs in the United States and Saudi Arabia before calling it quits in 2015.

Nsien never got the chance to play for the Super Eagles, but he was a member of the Nigerian U-23 national team that ultimately failed to qualify for the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Nsien was named head coach of the United States U-16 men’s national team in November 2022 after impressing as coach of FC Tulsa.

The 43-year-old was promoted to the U-19 team last year.