William Troost Ekong Speaks on Criteria the NFF Should Consider in Selecting Nigeria’s Next Coach

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria could be getting a new coach ahead of the next international window
• The Nigeria Football Federation have drawn up a shortlist of candidates for the coaching vacancy
• William Troost-Ekong has stressed a factor the NFF should consider in naming Nigeria's next coach

The Super Eagles of Nigeria find themselves without a manager following the departure of Jose Peseiro.

The Portuguese coach, who guided the Nigerian team to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), surprised many by announcing his departure upon the expiration of his contract.

Since Peseiro's departure, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been linked with several top-tier managers as potential successors.

Amidst the NFF's search, vice-captain of the team, William Troost-Ekong, has voiced his opinion on a factor the Football Federation should consider when appointing the team's next coach.

Former Super Eagles coach discloses his pick to replace Jose Peseiro as Nigeria's next manager

Football

Troost-Ekong speaks on Super Eagles vacancy

Speaking in an interview with Nigeria football icon, Segun Odegbami, as captured by Punch Sports, the 2023 AFCON player of the tournament stated:

“Ideally, a Nigerian should lead our team. Senegal and Ivory Coast have done well under their own coaches. The coaches already understand the culture and players and can easily relate to the team.

But you cannot dismiss a foreign coach. My experience with [Gernot] Rohr was very good, as well as Peseiro. The appointment should not be based on nationality and identity. We should decide on what is best for the team because we want to win the AFCON and go further at the World Cup," he concluded.

The sentiments of the combative defender echo those of many fans and stakeholders of the national team who advocate for the appointment of a fitting manager for the team, irrespective of nationality.

Henry Makinwa: Spain-based manager details his plan for the Super Eagles if appointed coach by NFF

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Nigeria's entire football fraternity eagerly awaits the appointment of the Super Eagles next coach.

NFF makes U-turn on Amunike

Sports Brief in a previous report stated the NFF are reconsidering appointing Emmanuel Amunike for the role of the Super Eagles coach.

The 53-year-old was previously on the list of individuals excluded from the final shortlist by the football federation.