- The NFF is expected to unveil the new head coach of the Super Eagles much sooner
- Swedish coach Janne Andersson is likely to be appointed, reports suggest
- The Super Eagles face Benin and Rwanda in crucial AFCON qualifiers next month
After an extensive month-long search, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is on the brink of naming a new head coach for the Super Eagles.
According to reports, an agreement has been reached, and the official unveiling is expected by the end of next week.
Augustine Eguavoen, the NFF’s Technical Director, confirmed the development in Abuja last week, “We have not yet concluded all the necessary procedures required before announcing the new coach. However, I believe that by next weekend, we will let Nigerians know who the new Super Eagles coach is,” he stated.
Although the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue an official statement, it appears the NFF has finally identified the right candidate. Sources suggest that Swedish coach Janne Andersson is set to take over the Super Eagles.
The veteran tactician, who led Sweden to the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2020 European Championship, is reportedly on the verge of signing a one-year deal with the NFF.
If confirmed, Andersson will be on the sidelines when the Super Eagles face Benin on September 7 in Uyo and travel to Kigali to take on Rwanda three days later.
The 61-year-old Swedish coach who successfully led his nation to the 2018 World Cup in Russia is currently the frontrunner for the Super Eagles job.
Should Andersson be appointed, he would become the second Swede to take charge of the Super Eagles, following in the footsteps of Lars Lagerbäck, who managed the team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Andersson’s managerial resume is impressive, having guided IFK Norrköping to their first Allsvenskan title in 2016, a feat that earned him the job with the Swedish national team.
During his time with Sweden, Andersson achieved notable successes, including leading the team to the quarter-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup after topping a group that included South Korea, Mexico, and reigning champions Germany.
Their run ended with a defeat to England.
Despite recent setbacks, including failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, Andersson’s wealth of experience makes him a compelling candidate to steer the Super Eagles forward.
With the Super Eagles currently coachless following Finidi George’s resignation after managing just two qualifiers, and with the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda approaching, Andersson’s arrival could infuse new tactics and ideas into the squad.
Finidi George resigns as head coach of Nigerian Super Eagles
Previously, TheRadar reported that Finidi George has stepped down from his position as the head coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles.
His resignation announced on Saturday, June 15, 2024, comes in response to the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) decision to appoint a foreign technical adviser.
