Mourinho, Hansi Flick Among 5 World Class Coaches Nigeria Could Hire

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently in search of a new manager
• Ex-coach Jose Peseiro parted ways with the team after the AFCON
• Jose Mourinho is among the available coaches the Super Eagles could sign

The race to replace Jose Peseiro as the Super Eagles coach has begun as the Nigerian Football Federation has started the search for a successor to the Portuguese tactician.

Peseiro stepped down as Nigeria’s coach after a 22-month reign that saw him guide the Super Eagles to win the silver medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

According to Punch NG, ex-Nigeria international Segun Odegbami has called on the NFF to look inward for an indigenous coach to handle the Super Eagles.

However, Own Goal Nigeria reports that a senior player in the team has cautioned the football body not to hire a local coach but rather to try to get a world-class manager to tinker with the Super Eagles after failing to extend Peseiro's contract.

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Football

Here, Sports Brief, alongside All Nigeria Soccer, highlights some of the top European coaches who currently need a job the NFF can persuade to coach the national team.

5 world-class coaches for Nigeria

1. Joachim Löw

The renowned German manager has a trophy cabinet studded with 2014 World Cup and Euro 2008 runner-up medals.

Löw's expertise in leading a great squad and dealing with the challenges of international tournaments makes him a strong choice.

His calm demeanour and strategic prowess could help guide the Super Eagles through the difficult qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup and beyond.

2. Jose Mourinho

The "Special One" requires no introduction. Mourinho, known for his technical brilliance and ability to win titles, is again available after leaving AS Roma in January.

While his demanding demeanour may not be a perfect fit, his extensive expertise and winning mentality could be a benefit to the Super Eagles.

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Football

Mourinho has previously had stints with Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United and Tottenham.

3. Ralph Hasenhuttl

The 56-year-old manager brings a unique perspective to the table. Hasenhuttl instilled a strong work ethic and an attacking style of football at Southampton.

He became a free agent in 2022 after being dismissed from his duties at the club with the danger of relegation looming, to which they were eventually relegated after his departure.

His ability to nurture young players and form cohesive teams could be critical for the Super Eagles, who have a mix of young talent and experienced veterans.

4. Julen Lopetegui

The experienced Spanish manager has a wealth of international expertise. Lopetegui commanded the Spanish national team from 2016 to 2018, including a World Cup appearance, before taking over at Sevilla FC.

He most recently led Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League before departing due to financial difficulties in August 2023.

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Football

Lopetegui's emphasis on organisation and control could bring stability to the Super Eagles, while his experience handling brilliant people may allow the team to reach its full potential.

5. Hansi Flick

Flick had a huge success at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga title in each of his two seasons as well as the 2020 UEFA Champions League before being appointed as Germany’s coach in 2021.

His track record of constructing winning teams, as well as his emphasis on aggressive, possession-based football, should make him an ideal candidate for the Super Eagles.

However, his dismal run of results, which culminated in his dismissal from the German national team in 2023, could be a deterrent for his evaluation by the NFF.

NFF refutes appointing Eguavoen

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that The NFF has denied appointing Augustine Eguavoen as the Super Eagles' interim manager following the departure of Jose Peseiro.

According to an NFF insider, the rumours are "a joke taken too far" because the football body has yet to settle on the Super Eagles' coaching post.