Mutiu Adepoju: La Liga Ambassador Urges NFF to Choose Nigerian Coach Over Foreigner for Super Eagles

• The Nigeria Football Federation are poised to appoint a new coach for the Super Eagles
• A flurry of elite managers have shown interest in taking over as Nigeria's next coach
• A La Liga ambassador has urged the NFF to appoint a local coach for the Super Eagles

The discussion surrounding the selection of the ideal coach to lead the Super Eagles has regained prominence following the conclusion of the recent international matches.

A host of elite coaches have thrown their hats into the ring, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) looks poised to name a new gaffer to replace former coach, Jose Peseiro.

However, amid the buzz the coaching situation continues to generate, former Real Sociedad midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, has urged the NFF to stick to appointing a Nigerian coach other than a foreign manager for the Super Eagles.

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Adepoju on Super Eagles' coaching role

In an interview with Flashscore Espana, the La Liga ambassador urged the Football Federation to place their trust in the calibre of Nigerian coaches who have applied for the Super Eagles vacancy, rather than looking to hire a foreigner.

"He said, 'If we don’t trust our team, how will they get better? Making Finidi a permanent coach wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Nigerian Football Federation.

Finidi is familiar with the team, having worked with them at the AFCON and having had a successful career as a top player. Besides being a good coach, his experience as a player will be very helpful.

I believe he can contribute a lot. We’ve been talking about whether to pick a foreign coach or a local one. I think Nigerian coaches haven’t had the same chances as foreign ones. Other countries trusted their own coaches and did well. Why not give it a try?"

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The words of the 53-year-old come amid swirling reports of a division among the NFF technical committee, with one faction reported to favour a local coach, while another is looking to explore the possibility of Nigeria having another foreign manager.

However, it remains to be seen who will be named Nigeria's next coach, as the NFF is expected to announce a candidate before Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series fixture against South Africa.

Adepoju backs Finidi

In a previous report, Sports Brief stated that former Nigeria midfielder, Adepoju, has expressed support for Finidi George.

The retired star emphasised the importance of continuity for the NFF and urged the federation to stick with the 52-year-old.