Emmanuel Amuneke Backed to Succeed Jose Peseiro As Nigeria Coach by Dutch Tactician

• Emmanuel Amuneke has been backed to be the next Nigeria coach
• Nigeria are without a coach after Jose Peseiro left the role
• The Super Eagles reached the finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria are still looking for a new coach after Jose Peseiro left his role earlier this month.

Several candidates have been linked with the job, including Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amuneke.

The former Barcelona winger has been tipped to replace Peseiro by Olympics gold-medal-winning coach, Jo Bonfrere.

Peseiro left his position after his contract ended and left a positive legacy. He led the Super Eagles to their first Africa Cup of Nations final since 2013 in Ivory Coast.

The Portuguese tactician helped Nigeria make an unexpected run to the final but lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast. Peseiro and the team were awarded for their achievement.

Jose Peseiro: Nigeria Head Coach Contemplates Next Career Move After AFCON 2023 Efforts

Football

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have declared the role vacant and have began accepting applications, per Afrik Foot.

Amuneke backed to coach Ni9geria

The next Super Eagles coach will be tasked with qualifying for the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup in North America.

Bonfrere, coach of the Nigeria side that won the gold medal in football at the 1996 Olympics, says Nigeria need a local coach, and Amuneke fits the bill.

“Yes, I agree Nigeria needs a local coach at the moment. Not a foreigner,” Bonfrere told VON via Soccernet.ng.

“But the country will have everything to gain if the authorities should appoint Emmanuel Amuneke for the job. I know him very well."

Bonfrere stressed that he is ready to help Amuneke if he gets appointed.

“He has a very strong mentality. He has the discipline and technical savvy to achieve results. In fact, if the Federation calls me to provide technical backup to Amuneke, I will gladly accept the task."

Jose Peseiro Bids Emotional Farewell to Super Eagles, Nigerians, As Contact With NFF Ends

Football

The former Barcelona winger has coached the Nigeria U-17 side and Tanzania national team in the past.

Possible Peseiro replacements

Sports Brief earlier listed five candidates for the Nigeria role after Peseiro's exit.

Nigeria legends Emmanuel Amuneke and Finidi George are possible replacements for Peseiro. Former Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet is also a candidate for the role.

Nigeria will be looking for a coach to lead the team to the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifying.