Super Eagles coach: Former Sweden manager linked with vacant Nigeria role

Former Sweden manager Janne Andersson is reportedly the leading candidate for the vacant Super Eagles coaching role, Soccernet.ng understands.

Although the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not yet made an official announcement, Score Nigeria sources suggest that the 61-year-old is poised to take over the reins of Nigeria’s national team.

Andersson, who concluded his tenure with Sweden in November 2023 after a seven-year stint, previously turned down an offer from Latvia.

His potential appointment would make him the second Swedish coach to manage the Super Eagles, following in the footsteps of Lars Lagerbäck, who guided Nigeria during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Another Swede, Thomas Dennerby, also made his mark in Nigerian football by leading the Super Falcons at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Andersson’s managerial credentials are solid, having led IFK Norrköping to their first Allsvenskan title in 2016, which subsequently earned him the Swedish national team job.

His tenure with Sweden was marked by notable successes, including qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Sweden advanced to the quarter-finals after topping Group F ahead of South Korea, Mexico, and defending champions Germany. They were eventually knocked out by England.

Despite Sweden’s recent struggles, including missing out on the 2022 World Cup and failing to qualify for Euro 2024, Andersson’s experience and pedigree make him a strong contender to lead the Super Eagles.

Nigeria’s national team is scheduled to face Benin Republic and Rwanda in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and Andersson’s appointment could bring a fresh tactical approach to the squad.