Henry Makinwa: Spain-Based Gaffer Discloses Ambitious Plans for Super Eagles if Handed Coaching Role

Henry Makinwa: Spain-Based Gaffer Discloses Ambitious Plans for Super Eagles if Handed Coaching Role

Ero Samson
updated at April 3, 2024 at 1:01 PM
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  • The Super Eagles coaching vacancy has continued to attract a flurry of managerial interest
  • Several managers have been vocal about their aim to achieve success with the Super Eagles
  • A Spain-based coach has highlighted his plans for the Nigerian team, if he is appointed gaffer

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The position of head coach for the Super Eagles continues to be a hotbed of interest, with debate about who will lead the Nigerian national team dominating discussions.

Since the departure of former coach, Jose Peseiro, following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, the West Africans have been without a permanent manager.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently opened applications for the national role and over 115 candidates were said to have put their names forward for the role.

Nigeria, Super Eagles, CAF, NFF, coach, AFCON, national, Henry Makinwa.
Nigeria players pose for a team photo before the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match against Cameroon. Image: Haykel Hmima.
Source: Getty Images

As the rigorous screening process of these applicants gets underway, a select few have begun to outline their visions for the future of Nigerian football.

One such candidate is Spain-based coach, Henry Makinwa. The 46-year-old has expressed his vision for the Super Eagles and what he believes he can achieve if given the opportunity to coach the team.

Makinwa speaks on ambition with Super Eagles

In an interview with Punch Sports, the former Nigerian forward disclosed his aspirations and outlined his vision for the Super Eagles - should he be given the chance.

"I aim to instil a distinct playing identity within the team, characterised by an aggressive offensive style and robust defensive strategies; elements we've been missing for many years.
"During Clemens Westerhof's tenure, we had individual talents complemented by local players like Finidi George, Edema Fuludu, and Friday Ekpo, who blended seamlessly with our attacking approach."

However, Makinwa said changing times had resulted in football's tactical evolution.

"This evolution explains why smaller, less renowned footballing nations now pose challenges to Nigeria."

Regarding his prospects of securing the role as Nigeria's next coach, he expressed optimism, saying,

"I believe I am well-suited for the position, holding the highest UEFA coaching license and boasting five years of experience coaching in the NPFL. I am confident in my abilities."

Makinwa's statements can be seen as a call to action for the NFF technical committee to ensure a fair and thorough screening process for all candidates vying for the Super Eagles coaching position.

However, it's essential to note that while Makinwa may possess strong qualifications, his lack of experience at the elite level could be a significant drawback in his candidacy.

Onyeka speaks on the next Super Eagles coach

Sports Brief also reported on Super Eagles midfielder, Frank Onyeka, sharing his insights on qualities the next coach of the Nigerian national team should possess.

During a recent interview, the Brentford star highlighted some key factors that he believes should be considered by the NFF in their search for the next manager.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)