Super Eagles Vacancy: Former Nigeria Coach Names Preferred Candidate to Replace Jose Peseiro

Super Eagles Vacancy: Former Nigeria Coach Names Preferred Candidate to Replace Jose Peseiro

Ero Samson
updated at April 8, 2024 at 4:51 PM
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  • The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been without a head coach since the departure of Jose Peseiro
  • The Nigeria Football Federation are actively searching for an ideal fit for the vacant coaching role
  • A former Super Eagles coach has hinted at the right candidate to lead the Nigerian national team

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is expected to reach a decision on the next coach of the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, as discussions continue about the vacant role.

It should be recalled that the Nigerian national team has been without a head coach since the departure of former manager, Jose Peseiro, following the expiration of his contract at the end of February.

The quest to find an ideal manager to replace the Portuguese has since appeared a daunting task for the NFF; however, swirling reports state that the Federation should begin the rigorous process of screening applicants during the course of the month.

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria are without a permanent head coach since the departure of former manager, Jose Peseiro. Image: Carlos Rodrigues.
Source: Getty Images

Nonetheless, ahead of the commencement of this process, a former Nigeria coach has named his ideal candidate to take over the Super Eagles vacancy.

Former Nigeria coach on Super Eagles vacancy

In an interview reported by OwnGoalNigeria, former Nigeria coach, Clemens Westerhof, shared his views on the Super Eagles' coaching situation.

Highlighting his preferred candidate for the role, the 83-year-old expressed a preference for former Nigeria coach, Samson Siasia.

"My choice is Samson Siasia. He should be given the job, ideally with a Dutch assistant."

Explaining his reasoning, he elaborated,

"The Dutch style aligns well with how the Super Eagles play. That's their identity, and Siasia can reinforce that style."

Unfortunately, coach Siasia is currently not in contention for the Super Eagles job, as he is still serving a five-year ban imposed by FIFA for allegations related to reported match-fixing incidents.

The 53-year-old is expected to complete his ban in August later this year, and the Nigeria national team aims to have a permanent head coach in place before their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches begin in June.

Guardiola’s assistant favourite for Nigeria's coaching role

According to a report by Sports Brief, Pep Guardiola's longest-serving ally, Domenec Torrent, is the favourite to be named Nigeria's next manager.

The 61-year-old is said to have been selected by the football federation over Conceicao and other candidates competing for the role. Torrent most recently managed Turkish club, Galatasaray.

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)