NFF Reportedly Shortlists Algerian League Manager for Super Eagles Coaching Role

NFF Reportedly Shortlists Algerian League Manager for Super Eagles Coaching Role

  • Nigeria continues its search for a new coach into the new year and have earmarked someone to permanently take over Augustine Eguavoen
  • The Nigeria Football Federation will be keen to appoint someone without any further delays as the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers approach
  • A report about a current Algerian league manager topping the NFF's shortlist for the role has recently surfaced

While it is now almost certain the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will be appointing a new permanent head coach for the Super Eagles, the question of who the next tactician will be has become a topical issue.

The Super Eagles, who have largely handled their fixtures under the guidance of interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, have been without a substantive head coach since the departure of Finidi George in June 2024.

Players of the Super Eagles pose for a team photo
The Super Eagles of Nigeria team have been without a permanent manager since the departure of Finidi George. Image: Issouf Sanogo.
Source: Getty Images

While several candidates have been linked with the Nigerian team job—including Eguavoen himself, who recently shared his thoughts on the role—whom the NFF will settle for remains far from decided.

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With speculations swirling and even former NFF chief Amaju Pinnick providing hints about the potential appointment of the next Nigeria coach, a report has surfaced suggesting the football federation has drawn up a three-manager shortlist for the role.

NFF draw shortlist for Super Eagles job

According to a recent report from the media outlet OwnGoalNigeria, the NFF has reportedly drawn up a shortlist of three candidates to take over the Super Eagles coaching job.

The shortlist is said to include an unnamed Portuguese coach, an unnamed German tactician, and Eric Chelle, the current head coach of MC Omran.

Chelle, who has long been linked with the Super Eagles' coaching role, previously managed the Malian national team.

The French tactician gained attention during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for a dramatic moment on the touchline when he appeared distressed, prompting his backroom staff to pour water on his head to cool him down.

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Former NFF president drops crucial hint on appointment of next Super Eagles coach

While it remains unclear whether the former Mali coach is the frontrunner for the position, the Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious situation regarding qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

Currently ranked fifth, according to data courtesy of FotMob, the Nigerian team must win all six of their remaining fixtures to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup slated for the Americas.

Amaju speaks on Super Eagles job

Legit.ng in an earlier report detailed that former football federation chief, Pinnick, shared his thoughts on the delay regarding the appointment of the next permanent coach of the Super Eagles.

The FIFA Executive Council member emphasized that the primary reason for the current NFF administration’s delay in appointing a new coach is related to issues of funding and salaries.

Pinnick also mentioned that he had heard the appointment of the new coach is imminent and that the incoming manager possesses a wealth of experience on the African continent.

Read also

NFF chief provides major hint on next Super Eagles coach amid Eguavoen's recent admission

The former federation chief concluded by stating that the announcement of the next coach will be one that surprises many.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ero Samson avatar

Ero Samson (Sports Editor) Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over six years in the Nigerian media industry. He has honed his skills at EPL Partners Nigeria Limited and Transsion Holdings, where he covered various sports stories and general news working as Content Operation Specialist and Content Coordinator. He graduated from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in 2023. Reach him via email at ero.samson@sportsbrief.com.

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