Amunike and Top Contenders to Replace Jose Peseiro As Super Eagles Coach As NFF Deadline Elapses

• The deadline for candidates to apply for the Super Eagles of Nigeria vacancy has elapsed
• The Nigeria Football Federation were reported to have received applications in excess of 115
• Sports Brief highlights a list of the favourite managers to replace Peseiro as Super Eagles coach

The search for the perfect fit for the vacant Super Eagles role has entered a new phase, as the deadline for candidates to apply officially closed on March 13.

Numerous coaches, both local and foreign, have expressed their desire to become the next Super Eagles coach. Reports suggest that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) received over 115 applications.

With the application window now passed and the NFF moving into the interview selection process, Sports Brief shines a spotlight on a select few individuals who stand out as favourites among the plethora of applicants vying for the esteemed Super Eagles role.

Three Nigerian coaches who could succeed the departing Jose Peseiro

Football

Emmanuel Amunike

The former Barcelona winger undeniably stands at the forefront of the favourite candidates for the Super Eagles position.

The ex-Nigeria international has already tasted coaching success in the country's youth categories and has been vocal about his aspiration to lead the senior national team.

While acknowledging the positives from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), many Nigerians feel that the defensive approach employed by Coach Peseiro doesn't align with the traditional style of Nigerian football. It's widely believed that the 53-year-old possesses the necessary skills to guide the Nigerian team to success, all while embracing the high-octane attacking play that the Super Eagles are renowned for.

Finidi George

The former Real Betis attacker is another candidate in the running to replace Peseiro. The 52-year-old was involved in Nigeria's football setup during the 22-month tenure of the Portuguese coach. He is among the favourites to assume the role, with many suggesting his candidacy is favoured due to the emphasis on continuity within the Super Eagles coaching ranks.

Report: Amokachi, Oliseh, propose preferred candidates to succeed Jose Peseiro

Football

Michael Nsien

The former Nigeria U-23 international has enjoyed a successful coaching career in the United States. The 45-year-old, after coaching USL Championship side, Tulsa Roughnecks, transitioned to the United States U-16 men's national team.

Nsien is widely supported to assume the role of coach for the Nigerian team, largely due to his coaching education in the United States. A report from OwnGoalNigeria suggests that Nsien is the preferred choice of NFF president, Musa Gusau, to lead the Super Eagles.

Antonio Conceicao

The former Cameroon coach is also among the top contenders for the Super Eagles coaching role. The 62-year-old has a proven track record of success on the African continent.

Most notably, he led Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions to a bronze medal at the 2021 AFCON, hosted in Cameroon. The Portuguese lead the list of foreign coaches who are likely to replace Peseiro.

Super Eagles players back Peseiro’s assistant

Top 5 European coaches NFF could hire as next Super Eagles manager

Football

In a separate report, Sports Brief disclosed that certain players of the Super Eagles of Nigeria have thrown their support behind Finidi as Peseiro's successor.

Having previously served as an assistant to the Portuguese coach during his 22-month tenure with the Nigerian team, the 52-year-old Finidi is now one of the frontrunners to assume the role of Super Eagles coach following Peseiro's departure.