Segun Odegbami Offers Guidance to NFF on Crucial Factors for Selecting Jose Peseiro’s Replacement

• The Nigeria Football Federation is on the lookout for another coach for the Super Eagles
• Jose Peseiro recently announced his departure following the expiration of his contract
• Segun Odegbami has advised the NFF on what to consider in selecting the next Nigerian coach

Discussions surrounding the search for a successor to former coach, Jose Peseiro, have ignited discussions within Nigeria's footballing community.

The Portuguese tactician, who steered the Super Eagles to their most promising Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) performance since their 2013 victory, departed after failing to reach terms on a contract extension with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Reportedly, negotiations stumbled over financial terms, with Peseiro seeking a salary of around $120,000 while the offer stood at $80,000. Consequently, the 63-year-old and the NFF ended their 22-month partnership.

Since the announcement, debates have swirled within footballing circles regarding the ideal successor to the former Sporting CP manager. While some advocate for a foreign coach, others champion a Nigerian candidate.

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Amid this discourse, former Nigerian forward, Segun Odegbami, has offered counsel to the NFF regarding the selection of an ideal manager.

Odegbami advise to the NFF

The 1980 AFCON winner is convinced that indigenous coaches are qualified enough and will be more passionate about the national assignment than their foreign counterparts.

“"Nigeria should let capable and patriotic Nigerians take control of its future," Odegbami said, as detailed by Complete Sports.

"The Super Eagles need to represent Nigeria with pride and unwavering spirit to reach their full potential globally. The coach of the Super Eagles should embody the country's ambitions.

No more foreign coaches in Nigeria! Let's succeed or fail with Nigerians, even in football!"

The words of the 71-year-old resonate with a few stakeholders across Nigeria's footballing scene, who believe a flurry of local coaches still possess what it takes to repeat the heroics of the late Stephen Keshi from the AFCON in 2013.

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Nonetheless, it has to be highlighted that the onus rests on the NFF to appoint who they deem as fit to coach the Nigerian team.

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Sports Brief in another report stated that former Cameroon coach, Antonio Conceicao, has applied to replace Peseiro.

The 62-year-old, who led the Indomitable Lions to AFCON bronze in 2021, joins the growing list of managers showing their interest in coaching Nigeria.