Super Eagles Vacancy: NFF Looking to Hire Belgian Coach to Replace Finidi George, Report

Super Eagles Vacancy: NFF Looking to Hire Belgian Coach to Replace Finidi George, Report

Ero Samson
updated at June 22, 2024 at 9:12 AM
In this article:
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Nigeria
Nigeria
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FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)
Africa
  • The Nigeria Football Federation's search for a new manager to lead the Super Eagles continues to intensify
  • Finidi George recently stepped down from his role following an underwhelming 47-day tenure with the national team
  • A report detailing the federation could be leaning towards appointing a Belgian manager for the Super Eagles has surfaced

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The Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) search for an ideal coach for the Super Eagles continues following the sudden departure of Finidi George.

The 53-year-old, who was in charge of the Super Eagles for barely 47 days, oversaw two underwhelming fixtures during his brief reign as manager.

Under Finidi's tenure, the Super Eagles recorded a draw and a defeat against South Africa and the Republic of Benin, respectively—both results that have jeopardised Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria, Super Eagles, NFF, Coach, Belgium, FIFA World Cup, Qualification, Benin.
The Nigeria Football Federation is reported to be keen on appointing a Belgian tactician for the Super Eagles. Image: Issouf Sanogo.
Source: Getty Images

However, as the NFF looks to remedy the situation with the appointment of a new manager, a report has surfaced indicating that the federation is leaning towards appointing a Belgian coach.

NFF to appoint a Belgian coach for the Super Eagles?

According to a report courtesy of media outlet, OwnGoalNigeria, the Federation's hierarchy is keen on the appointment of a Belgian tactician for the Super Eagles.

The report specifies that the coach would be someone with extensive experience in African football culture.

It concludes by hinting that discussions have reportedly begun between the NFF and several managers who meet the federation's criteria.

Notably, earlier reports from Dutch outlet, Het Nieuwsblad, suggested that the NFF is interested in appointing Marc Brys. However, Brys appears committed to his current role with the Cameroonian national team.

It remains to be seen which Belgian tactician the NFF will lean towards. However, irrespective of who is appointed, they will face the daunting task of securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Aghahowa explains why NFF cannot hire an elite coach

Sports Brief in another report stated that former Nigeria forward, Julius Aghahowa, explained why the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) might struggle to appoint a top-tier coach for the national team.

The former Wigan striker alluded to the financial situation of the federation among other factors.

The NFF is reported to have drawn up a shortlist featuring three managers with experience on the African continent.

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)