The musical chairs about who the next Nigeria coach is seem to take another beat as news has emerged that Portuguese boss Jose Peseiro has ended his romance with the Super Eagles.
Peseiro’s contract expired at the end of February, and despite rumoured overtures from the NFF for a new deal, Peseiro has elected to seek new challenges elsewhere, with as many as seven offers landing at his feet.
After guiding Nigeria to a second-place finish, Peseiro’s stock has risen and he has decided to capitalise on it and seek greener pastures.
So the question of who the next Nigeria coach is has been a popular topic of discussion.
While the departure of Peseiro was expected, it has started a debate within the football fraternity in Nigeria.
There’s been a loud call for a local as next Nigeria coach, with Senegal coach Aliou Cisse as the reference point.
If that is to happen, here are three potential candidates who fit the bill if and when the Nigeria Football Federation decides to choose a local as the next Nigeria coach.
Next Nigeria coach: 3 locals to consider as Super Eagles boss
Emmanuel Amunike
The former Barcelona coach has never hidden his desire to train the national team and even put his hat in the ring during the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 53-year-old is famous in Nigeria for his two goals that won Nigeria the AFCON title in Tunisia in 1994.
He also handled the Golden Eaglets class of 2015 and had the likes of Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze lift the FIFA U17 World Cup.in Chile.
Amunike was involved with the Super Eagles alongside Augustine Eguavoen in the ill-fated doubleheader against Ghana in 2022 as Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup.
The former Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona player qualified Tanzania for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon and had a brief stint at Zambian side Zesco and will on those experiences for the Super Eagles job
Finidi George
Current assistant coach in the team and manager at Nigeria Premier League side Enyimba, which puts him in good stead to possible be the next Nigeria coach.
George was also part of the team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and was with the Super Eagles at their maiden World Cup appearance in the United States in the same year.
The former Ajax Amsterdam star won the Nigeria Premier League title with Enyimba last year and has been with the Super Eagles for the past two years, assisting Jose Peseiro.
He will want to bank on his current status in the team to advocate for promotion to the main seat if the NFF elect to go with a local coach.
Sunday Oliseh
Another member of the Class of ’94 has previously been in charge of the team between 2015 and 2016.
His tenure with the Super Eagles wasn’t exactly a rosy one as he clashed with administrators, players and journalists before he got the boot.
Oliseh, 49, who played for Ajax Amsterdam and Juventus, has always said he is ready to return to the job ‘when the time is right’.
He has already been in the system before and will and will look to tap from that experience to do better if he gets the nod.
Each candidate presents a unique proposition. Amunike brings youth development expertise and international exposure, while George offers continuity and recent success.
Oliseh’s passion and tactical nous are undeniable, albeit tempered by past controversies.
Ultimately, the NFF faces a pivotal decision.
Will they pursue continuity with Peseiro, embrace a local hero, or explore alternative avenues?
Whatever path they choose regarding the next Nigeria coach, it will undoubtedly shape the Super Eagles’ trajectory as they aim for continental and global success.
Source: Afrik-foot
