Super Eagles Coaching Role: 3 Reasons Why Antonio Conceicao Is the Right Man to Replace Jose Peseiro

• Over 40 foreign coaches have shown interest in taking over as the next Super Eagles manager
• Antonio Conceicao is among the several managers who have shown interest in taking over the role
• Sports Brief examines reasons why the Portuguese manager is the ideal candidate to coach Nigeria

The search for the perfect replacement for the vacant Super Eagles coaching position seems poised to conclude at the end of the March international window.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently announced the vacancy for the national team’s coaching role on social media following the departure of Jose Peseiro.

Among the 40-plus foreign managers vying for the position is Portuguese coach, Antonio Conceicao.

The 62-year-old appears to be a frontrunner, with reports from OwnGoalNigeria suggesting that the NFF is leaning towards his appointment as the next Nigeria coach, as the screening process by the Federation’s technical committee nears completion.

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In light of these developments, Sports Brief examines why Coach Conceicao could be the ideal candidate to lead the Super Eagles in their upcoming endeavours.

Why Coceicao is the right fit for Nigeria

Relevant coaching qualification

The ex-Sporting Braga manager meets the qualifications outlined by the NFF in their announcement of the vacancy for the next Nigeria coach.

Conceicao holds the CAF A license, a prerequisite for coaching any national team in Africa as per FIFA guidelines for coaches. Besides his top-tier coaching credentials, the Portuguese tactician boasts extensive experience, having managed 14 clubs since his coaching debut in 1999. Conceicao's managerial portfolio includes stints at clubs such as Braga, Moreirense, and Vitoria Setubal.

Experience on the African continent

Coach Conceicao also brings valuable experience from his time on the African continent. The 62-year-old led the Cameroonian national team from 2019 to 2022, achieving an impressive record of 14 victories, two losses, and eight draws in his 24 games in charge, according to data courtesy of Footy Stats.

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His most notable achievement was securing bronze with the Indomitable Lions at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Since his departure from Cameroon, the national team has struggled to replicate the success they enjoyed under Conceicao's leadership.

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) are currently in the process of appointing a new coach following the dismissal of Rigobert Song, who was initially appointed to succeed Conceicao.

High attacking style of play

The Super Eagles faced significant criticism for their lack of high-octane footballing approach during the 2023 AFCON.

However, this is an area where Conceicao excels. The 62-year-old has built a reputation for his highly attacking, possession-based style of play. With his appointment, Nigeria could potentially rediscover the attacking flair they were known for before the AFCON in Ivory Coast. The abundance of attacking talent in the Nigerian team could finally be effectively harnessed under Coach Conceicao's leadership.

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Nigeria football chief speaks on Super Eagles coach

In another report, Sports Brief highlighted comments from a Nigeria Football Federation chief regarding the next Super Eagles coach.

The report focuses on the football chief's statement, suggesting that the next Nigerian coach could be a foreigner.

It concludes by emphasising that many local coaches lack the necessary coaching certificates to lead the Super Eagles.