Former Real Madrid B star urges NFF to appoint new Super Eagles coach before 2025 AFCON qualifiers

Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal has emphasised the urgency for the Nigeria Football Federation to swiftly appoint a new head coach for the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

The NFF has yet to announce a successor to Finidi George, who stepped down in June following a disappointing start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Finidi, previously an assistant coach to Jose Peseiro during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire where Nigeria finished as runners-up, only managed the national team for 40 days.

His tenure included a 1-1 home draw against South Africa in Uyo and a critical 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan, putting Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes in jeopardy.

There are indications that the NFF is in discussions with several foreign coaches, including Herve Renard, a two-time AFCON-winning tactician.

Despite these ongoing negotiations, the delay in appointing a new head coach is causing concern as Nigeria prepares for their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, which is just weeks away.

Lawal, a former Real Madrid B player, has urged the NFF to expedite the appointment process to ensure the new coach has adequate time to familiarise himself with the team.

“I really think the NFF must take a drastic decision in appointing a new coach for the Super Eagles since the qualifiers are around the corner,” Lawal told Complete Sports.

“Delay in the appointment of a coach often affects the team’s performance because the coach does not have time to relate perfectly with the players. But if it doesn’t happen that way, then the NFF should appoint a coach on an interim basis for the Super Eagles.”

For the AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria's Super Eagles have been placed in a group with Rwanda, Benin, and Libya.

Only the top two teams from each group will secure a spot in the tournament set to take place in Morocco in 2025.