Jose Peseiro’s Replacement: 3 Reasons Why Emmanuel Amunike Should Be the Next Super Eagles Coach

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria are currently in search of a coach following the exit of Jose Peseiro
• The Nigeria Football Federation recently took to social media to put out a vacancy for his role
• Sports Brief highlights reasons why Emmanuel Amunike should be the next Nigeria gaffer

The coaching situation of the Super Eagles continues to generate intense conversations across Nigeria’s football scene.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finalists find themselves without a coach following the departure of Jose Peseiro.

The Portuguese left his role after failing to reach an agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over a contract extension.

In the wake of Peseiro's exit, the NFF has turned to social media to announce the vacancy for the Super Eagles' coaching role.

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Numerous top-tier coaches have been rumoured to be in contention, but one name stands out among the rest, Emmanuel Amunike.

The former Barcelona winger has experienced a remarkable rise in the coaching world since emerging in 2008. His crowning achievements include leading Nigeria to victory in the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2015 and guiding Tanzania to their first AFCON appearance since 1980.

Throughout his coaching journey, Amunike’s teams have showcased a captivating and commendable style of play, one that many Nigerians aspire for the Super Eagles to embody under his leadership.

As the clamour for Amunike's appointment grows among Nigerians, Sports Brief outlines compelling reasons why the ex-Tanzania coach should be the next at the helm for the Super Eagles.

Why Amunike should be Nigeria’s next coach

Understanding of the Nigeria football culture

One glaring issue that marked the tenures of the last two Super Eagles coaches was the perception of a disconnect from Nigeria's footballing ethos.

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Both Peseiro, and Gernot Rohr, faced criticism for often organising their teams in ways that deviated significantly from the traditional style the Super Eagles were known for.

Nigeria's footballing identity was historically linked with a high-octane attacking approach forged in the 1970s and 1980s, reaching its peak in the 1990s, a period during which Amunike played a significant role in Nigerian football.

Many fans feel that under Rohr and, subsequently, Peseiro, the national team strayed far from this style of play. As a result, they are advocating for the appointment of a manager who has experienced this high-octane football to lead the Nigerian team, with the hope of restoring the country's traditional footballing identity.

The best available indigenous coach

Among the available indigenous coaches, the 53-year-old stands out as the most promising candidate.

Austin Eguavoen, who is the current technical director of the Nigerian national team, has failed to impress whenever he has been given the reins to lead the Super Eagles.

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The 58-year-old coach failed to qualify Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup on two occasions, notably in 2006 and more recently in 2022. Eguavoen also oversaw an underwhelming AFCON campaign in Cameroon in 2021.

Another Nigerian coach who garners interest is Finidi George. The 52-year-old served as Peseiro's assistant during his 22-month stint and also holds the position of head coach at Enyimba Football Club.

However, there are lingering doubts about the capabilities of the former Real Betis winger. These doubts bring the focus back to Amunike.

The former Barcelona winger stands out as the only Nigerian coach who ticks all the boxes, boasting a proven track record supported by tangible successes, which appear to be qualities that Nigerians seek in their next coach.

Proven track record of player development

Amunike also boasts a remarkable track record in player development. The 53-year-old has played a pivotal role in nurturing several Nigerian talents who have successfully transitioned from youth football to the senior national team.

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Among the many players he has helped groom are current AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze, and Confederation of African Football (CAF) Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen.

There is a strong belief that if Amunike is appointed as coach of the Nigerian team, numerous other emerging talents will experience seamless transitions to the Super Eagles setup.

Amunike tipped to replace Peseiro

Sports Brief in another report stated that former Nigerian winger, Amunike, has been tipped to replace Peseiro.

The 53-year-old has expressed his intent to take over the coaching role of the Super Eagles. The former Barcelona winger previously achieved success with the age-grade ranks of the Nigerian football set-up.