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Who Could Be The Next Nigeria Manager? Emmanuel Amuneke, Finidi George Or Others
The Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) is currently looking for a new head coach for the Nigeria national team, a highly challenging position in the world of football. Following Jose Peseiro’s departure after guiding the Super Eagles to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the search for his successor has attracted numerous applicants.
The role demands success in international tournaments & also the ability to cultivate a positive team culture similar to the West African nation. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers approaching in two months, the NFF’s selection process is expected to be thorough.
As the preference inclines towards an indigenous coach, speculation arises about potential candidates.
Below, Sportxparte examines the leading candidates.
Emmanuel Amuneke
Amuneke is eyeing the chance to lead the Super Eagles. Widely regarded as the frontrunner to succeed Jose Peseiro, his track record speaks volumes.
He is known for his successful coaching career. Amuneke’s achievements include leading the Nigeria U17 team to victory in the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup and coaching talents like Samuel Chukwueze & Victor Osimhen during their early development.
In 2018, he took charge of the Tanzania national team, guiding them to the Africa Cup of Nations qualification. However, their campaign ended disappointingly in the group stage. Amuneke has also coached clubs in Sudan, Egypt, and Zambia. Despite his credentials, some Nigerians may have concerns due to his involvement with the Super Eagles technical crew during the unsuccessful 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Finidi George
Regarded as a main candidate for the Nigeria Football Federation, George boosts a strong bond with former coach Peseiro & possesses an in-depth understanding of the current Super Eagles squad. His audition for the role came during international friendlies against Ghana & Mali, where his team triumphed 2-1 over Ghana but faced a 2-0 defeat against Mali.
In his debut coaching role, the Ajax legend proved instrumental in guiding Enyimba to a two-time African champion, to secure their ninth Nigeria Professional Football League title. Notably, he has consistently surpassed expectations, ensuring the team’s sustained high-performance levels this season.
Recent backing from Super Eagles’ Kenneth Omeruo underscores support for the 52-year-old coach, with Omeruo stating, “I truly believe he is the right fit for the job.” Omeruo’s sentiments seem to resonate with the entire team, reflecting a unified endorsement of George’s coaching skills & positive impact on the team.
Ndubuisi Egbo
While Ndubuisi Egbo may face doubtfulness from certain sectors of the Nigerian media, his track record is undeniably impressive. As the manager of KF Tirana, he accomplished remarkable feats in the UEFA Champions League.
On August 19, 2020, Egbo guided the Albanian team to a notable 2-0 victory over Dinamo Tbilisi in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. This historic moment established him as the first Nigerian to lead a team in the Champions League.
Furthermore, Egbo made history once again by being the first Nigerian to secure a win in the tournament & the inaugural Nigerian from the West African region to have a successful debut.
Beyond his coaching accolades, Egbo’s legacy extends to his playing career. Representing Nigeria in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, he displays leadership on the field & the ability to drive cultural shifts. His successful time with KF Tirana & Kosovo’s FC Prishtina indicates his potential to replicate achievements with the esteemed Super Eagles.
Michael Nsien
The manager of the United States U19 team is being considered as a potential candidate to transition from American soccer to the Super Eagles. After a successful four-year time with FC Tulsa in the USL Championship, where he oversaw the club’s most prosperous period, the former Nigerian youth international moved on to coach the US U16 squad.
Nsien, who brings 14 years of coaching experience, possesses both a U.S. Soccer Pro License and a UEFA “A” License. He is highly regarded for his ability to develop young talent & facilitate their progression to higher levels of competition.
At the senior level, he served as an assistant to interim USA head coach Brian Callaghan during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
While the 43-year-old may not be universally supported for the Super Eagles role due to concerns about handling established players’ egos, his history of success positions him as a strong contender for the position.
Other possible candidates:
Among the potential candidates under consideration is Samson Siasia, renowned for his expert management of Nigeria’s youth teams. He briefly led the Super Eagles in 2016 on an interim basis after Sunday Oliseh’s sudden departure.
While Oliseh has reportedly applied for the position, former Kano Pillars coach Salisu Yusuf and Henry Makinwa, currently unattached after a disappointing spell with Katsina United, are seen as less probable contenders.
Furthermore, Stephen Keshi’s trusted assistants Sylvanus Okpala and Daniel Amokachi are also in the mix for the vacant role. The final decision on the selection of the new manager will only become clear with time.
