Nigeria’s Super Eagles stand at a crossroads, seeking a fresh direction after recent setbacks under head coach Finidi George.
Following a narrow defeat in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Cote d’Ivoire, subsequent performances have failed to inspire confidence, with a regression evident over the past six months.
Despite early optimism, marred by a notable win against bitter rivals Ghana, the team’s fortunes quickly soured under George’s tenure.
A draw with South Africa on home soil and a damaging loss to the Benin Republic has massively dented Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, prompting Finidi’s resignation and opening the door for a new head coach.
With the Nigeria Football Federation favouring a foreign coach, Soccernet.ng‘s Imhons Erons outlines ten compelling candidates to lead the Super Eagles into a new era, just as Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers loom large on the horizon.
1. Hervé Renard
Hervé Renard emerges as an unconventional yet compelling choice due to his illustrious international coaching career.
Renard achieved unprecedented success with Zambia, guiding the Chipolopolo to their maiden Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2012.
His subsequent stint with Cote d’Ivoire saw him replicate this feat in 2015, emphasising his ability to harness the potential of African teams on the global stage.
Renard also recently helped the French women’s national team to reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup months after guiding Saudi Arabia to beat eventual winners Argentina at Qatar 2022.
His expertise in player management could address the reported discord within the Super Eagles camp, making him an ideal candidate to instill discipline and unity.
2. Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp’s managerial pedigree speaks volumes, highlighted by his transformative tenure at Liverpool.
Under Klopp’s guidance, Liverpool clinched the UEFA Champions League and ended their decades-long Premier League title drought.
Known for his dynamic playing style and charismatic leadership, Klopp’s ability to galvanize teams and inspire fan support could rejuvenate a Super Eagles squad hungry for success.
His departure from Liverpool, citing the need for a new challenge, aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s quest for a seasoned mentor capable of navigating high-stakes international competitions.
3. José Pékerman
José Pékerman’s extensive international coaching experience positions him as a seasoned tactician capable of navigating the complexities of global tournaments.
Renowned for his tenure with Argentina’s national team, Pékerman steered the Albiceleste to the 2006 World Cup quarterfinals.
Subsequently, he achieved success with Colombia, guiding Los Cafeteros to multiple World Cup appearances and knockout stage berths.
Pékerman’s strategic acumen and nurturing approach could provide the leadership needed to elevate Nigeria’s promising roster to new heights on the continental and global stage.
4. Milutin Sredojević (Micho)
Milutin Sredojević, affectionately known as Micho, boasts a storied coaching career marked by success across various African clubs and national teams.
His tenure with Uganda’s national team saw him lead the Cranes to their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance in 38 years.
Micho’s subsequent roles with Orlando Pirates and Zamalek SC further underscore his tactical genius and ability to navigate high-pressure situations.
His understanding of African football dynamics, coupled with a track record of transforming teams into formidable contenders, positions him as a compelling candidate to rejuvenate Nigeria’s Super Eagles amidst their current challenges.
5. Claude Le Roy
Claude Le Roy’s illustrious coaching career spans several decades, characterized by his adept management of various African national teams.
Notably, Le Roy led Cameroon to second place in the 1986 Africa Cup of Nations and clinched the trophy with the Indomitable Lions in 1988.
He enjoyed subsequent success with Ghana, including a historic FIFA World Ranking of 14th.
Le Roy’s mentorship qualities could prove instrumental in guiding Nigeria through crucial qualifiers and revitalizing the Super Eagles’ competitive edge on the international stage.
6. Vahid Halilhodžić
Vahid Halilhodžić’s managerial journey spans prestigious clubs and national teams, demonstrating his ability to transform struggling teams into formidable contenders.
When Halilhodžić was in charge of Algeria, he led the Desert Foxes to the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup, a significant achievement in the North African nation’s football history.
Halilhodžić deployed his tactical acumen to varying degrees of success in Japan and at Nantes. His deep experience at the international level makes him a compelling candidate to guide Nigeria’s Super Eagles through challenging qualifiers and towards sustained success in global competitions.
7. Pitso Mosimane
Pitso Mosimane’s coaching career is synonymous with success, particularly during his tenure with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt’s Al Ahly.
Mosimane guided Mamelodi Sundowns to multiple domestic league titles and a historic CAF Champions League victory, solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s top coaches.
The South African coach then reached greater heights with Al Ahly, including winning back-to-back CAF Champions League trophies.
Mosimane’s extensive experience and proven track record make him an ideal candidate to elevate Nigeria’s Super Eagles to new heights.
8. Tom Saintfiet
Tom Saintfiet’s diverse coaching career spans multiple continents, with notable achievements in Africa and Europe.
His spell with Gambia’s national team marked historic milestones, including their first-ever qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and a quarterfinal appearance.
Saintfiet is renowned for his tactical versatility and commitment to player development.
His international experience and adaptive coaching style make him a promising candidate to navigate Nigeria through competitive qualifiers and foster sustainable success.
9. Avram Grant
Avram Grant’s managerial journey took him to esteemed clubs including Chelsea and national teams, highlighted by his tenure with Ghana’s Black Stars.
Grant guided Ghana to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations and took them to a historic position on the FIFA Rankings.
His time at Chelsea was also significant as he led the Blues to the UEFA Champions League final.
Grant’s understanding of global football dynamics makes him a formidable candidate to guide Nigeria’s Super Eagles towards achieving their full potential.
10. Jorge Costa
Jorge Costa’s coaching career is distinguished by his resilient playing style and tactical ingenuity.
His managerial journey began with SC Braga, where he achieved notable success in domestic and European competitions.
Costa subsequently took up challenging roles in Romania, Cyprus, and India where he put his tactical acumen to good use.
His coaching philosophy emphasises discipline and defensive organization, traits that Nigeria’s Super Eagles have lacked in recent qualifiers.
Costa’s experience and leadership qualities position him as a steady hand to guide Nigeria through challenges and towards sustained success on the global stage.
NB: Which of these top coaches would you prefer to take charge of the Super Eagles? Leave your answers in the comments section below.
Jorge Costa
2. Jurgen Klopp
i wonder who compiled this list, out of that list only one is a coach,that is Klopp the rest are just gamblers, I hope this time around NFF doesn’t make another blunder by choosing another dunderhead as a coach of super Eagles., anyway we are watching them.
Jurgen Klopp or Herve Renard would make an ideal coach for the Nigerian senior national team, the Super Eagles.
Jurgen Klopp can be the game changer.
He is a sound coach.
Renard H .. and Klopp… they are good to go
what’s wrong with Nigeria. Why do we always rely on foreign coaches to manage the senior team. The people who run NFF have no clue about football and that’s why they don’t trust nigerian coaches. Please I beg you to choose from nigerian coaches and leave foreigners alone and also try to pay them well.
Renard is the best for a positive turn around.
Nigerian coaches don’t take out time to develop themselves as coaches and even take up successful coaching stints abroad. They shamelessly gallant around the NFF offices seeking out petty coaching appointments to survive. Even when on the job they get involved with collecting bribes for a place in the team, becoming agents for certain players and fielding them even when there are way way better options. Hence the lack of respect from their player whom the constantly harass for stipends. It’s a waste of time going with the Nigerian coaches and their wanton lack of professionalism. Smh.
any coach that can camp the eagles for two weeks wil be the good coach.even if u give the job to physical education teacher from irakulu high school .. but if u give klop and Harvard and the. boys. stroll into camp on Monday Tuesday to play on Friday or Saturday. they wil only get the best draw game again weak teams and struggle to win any game
Renard with Mikel is our best option because I doubt if kloop will be possible
After Herve Renard and Jurgen Klopp, the others are just speculations and a gamble at best. apart from the first two who av serious achievements to their names, many of the others av nothing; than qualifying teams for tournaments.
long story short, Herve Renard is the most suitable. Jurgen Klopp would be a dream come true
l prefer jurgen klopp then other I can coach
I believe this is just to give us a false hope. This is a delay tactics. The NFF and the Sports Minister know what they are doing, they are trying to fool us. I don’t think we are qualifying for the World Cup. This is just a mirage, I don’t trust them. Not until NFF is overhauled and we have a competent and passionate people in the NFF, Nigeria football will not move forward. It is not just about hiring a coach, we need to have a plan and strategise. You don’t qualify by mere dreaming and but by taking action.
I believe that NFF is not ready/serious yet , we need a complete overhaul of NFF by appointing the most qualified and experienced individuals in the game of football to run the affairs of football in this country and not politics,we are not short of Nigerians in the top management of top football clubs in the world, why have we not invited them to use their experience and expertise to manage and develop our football .
Honestly Iam not in support of any local coach to manage out national team for now , when would we learn out of what had experienced ? Any local coach should prove himself first by taking any of our local teams to the finals, semi finals of African football championships couple of times , before being considered for such a post, he must have a track record, Stop joking with us enough of this rubbish.
Even south Africa could not consider Piso who won laurel with some top clubs in Africa, Senegal Aliou Cisse upon his experience still rely on his back room European staff, Ivory coast coach still got tabs from Herve Renard to win Championship, so lets call a spade a spade , we dont have any local coach anywhere that can take us anywhere for now.
If NFF is serious , if they dont have money as they would always claim to enable them hire a quality coach, they should solicit for sponsors to enable us hire a quality coach as to remove shame from our eyes. Small countries in Africa hire more quality coaches than us .Nff would shamelessely admit they dont have money to hire a quality coach what a shame!
HERVE RENARD , KLOPP , Would be ideal from the shortlist.NFF should stop playing with us hmmm, a stitch in time saves Nine.
KLOPP,GRANT AND RENARD ARE THE ONLY BEST THAT CAN TAKE SUPER EAGLES TO THE NEXT LEVEL.