Nigeria’s prolonged search for a head coach is approaching its conclusion, though difficulties remain as two candidates vie for the position.
The Super Eagles have been without a permanent coach since Finidi George stepped down shortly after beginning a two-year contract in May. George, who was part of Nigeria’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations squad, had taken on the interim role for the March international fixtures.
During his brief tenure, George secured only one win, and a 2-1 defeat to Benin left Nigeria struggling at the bottom of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group.
As speculation continues and the involvement of the sports minister persists, Nigeria is focusing on two main candidates: Swedish coach Janne Andersson and Frenchman Herve Renard. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is racing against time as the qualifiers for the 2025 Afcon are set to begin on September 7.
Andersson’s Interest: A Matter of Timing
Swedish coach Janne Andersson has emerged as a viable option for Nigeria’s head coach role, offering a blend of experience and affordability. The 61-year-old concluded his seven-year tenure with Sweden last year, having guided the team to the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the last 16 of the 2020 European Championship. Despite these successes, his later years were marred by underperformance, culminating in his resignation after failing to secure a spot in the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.
Andersson, who has primarily managed Swedish teams and won a domestic league title with IFK Norrkoping, is keen on the opportunity to coach in Africa, although there are concerns about his lack of international experience. His pragmatic approach is highlighted by his decision to recall Zlatan Ibrahimovic despite public scrutiny.
A major hurdle is Andersson’s availability, as he can only assume the role in mid-September, after Nigeria’s early 2025 Afcon qualifiers. A potential workaround could involve his assistant, Peter Wettergren, working alongside an interim coach, possibly NFF technical director Augustine Eguavoen, during the initial fixtures.
Renard: High-Profile but Costly
French coach Hervé Renard presents a more high-profile, albeit challenging, option for Nigeria. Renard has achieved significant success in African football, being the only coach to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different teams. His leadership also led Morocco and Saudi Arabia to noteworthy performances in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, including a famous victory over Argentina.
Although his recent roles with France’s women’s teams resulted in quarter-final exits, Renard remains a top contender. However, Egypt has reportedly offered him a $2 million annual salary, a figure beyond Nigeria’s budget. This high demand has been described as “exorbitant” by some within the Nigerian football federation, despite Nigeria offering its most lucrative coaching contract to date.
Renard’s impressive track record and experience make him a favored choice, but financial constraints and time limitations pose significant challenges.
Upcoming Hurdles for the New Coach
The new head coach will face immediate difficulties. What was initially viewed as a manageable World Cup qualifying campaign has become more challenging, with Rwanda currently leading Group C and Nigeria struggling near the bottom after four rounds.
The new coach will also need to address media and fan expectations. The Super Eagles’ unexpected run to the 2023 Afcon final has been overshadowed by recent declines, partly due to insufficient infrastructure. Nigeria lacks a permanent home ground for its national teams and a dedicated training facility, with matches typically held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Additionally, unresolved issues such as unpaid allowances and match bonuses continue to affect player morale. The new coach will need to tackle these issues as the Super Eagles aim to qualify for the 2025 Afcon and improve their World Cup qualifying campaign.