The Super Eagles managerial seat is vacant after Jose Peseiro's departure and the NFF could announce a replacement from the NPFL.
With Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, parting ways this week, the search is on for a new manager to lead the national team.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Peseiro confirmed his exit as Nigeria’s coach after a 22-month spell that ended with an impressive run to the AFCON 2023 final in Cote d’Ivoire.
16:09 - 01.03.2024
'I was very sad'- Peseiro reveals why UEFA Cup final hurts more than AFCON loss
Jose Peseiro, the seasoned football tactician, recently delved into the emotional aftermath of two significant career moments—the 2005 UEFA Cup final loss with Sporting CP and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final defeat with Nigeria.
14:02 - 01.03.2024
Peseiro confirms exit as Nigeria's coach after 'Pride and Honor' of Super Eagles spell
Nigeria and Jose Peseiro have decided to part ways after a successful outing at the AFCON 2023 in Cote d'Ivoire.
While some foreign names will likely be considered, several contenders from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) could take the reins.
NPFL coaches for Super Eagles
- Finidi George, Enyimba
Leading this list is former national team winger Finidi George, the current boss of Enyimba FC, who is one strong candidate.
George led the People’s Elephant to their ninth NPFL title in his second year with the Aba giants last season and are on course to successfully defend their title.
While his time playing in LaLiga and Ajax gives him experience and pedigree, Finidi also has the advantage of being in the Super Eagles setup having been assistant to former manager Peseiro.
- Daniel Ogunmodede, Remo Stars
Daniel Ogunmodede has impressed since taking over at Remo Stars, leading them to a top-two finish this season and a historic place in the CAF Champions League.
Ogunmodede is known for his famous philosophy ‘Ijaball’ which is an interesting style of play that is centred around controlled possession while leveraging the strength of individuality.
His Sky Blues have become a side that fights on and off the ball while his work with young players and his impressive dress sense could also appeal.
- Fidelis Ilechukwu, Enugu Rangers
Then there is seasoned NPFL coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who has earned credibility with his body of work at NPFL clubs like MFM, Plateau United and Enugu Rangers.
Ilechukwu appears to have found a home in Enugu, where he is the current head coach of the Flying Antelopes, Rangers.
The passionate and enigmatic manager is revered for his brotherly and fatherly relationship with his players. He knows the local game inside out.
Bonus Names
Other names worth considering include Kennedy Boboye, who has won the NPFL twice with Akwa United and Plateau United.
Abdul Maikaba, the current Kano Pillars manager, is famed for his brilliant possession football, and Lobi Stars manager Eugene Agagbe, leading his side to a dreamy title charge this season.
Whoever does land the role will have big shoes to fill after Peseiro helped Nigeria pick up a silver medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
But with an abundance of domestic and foreign talents to choose from, a Nigerian coach may be best placed to build on the platform left by Peseiro.
Related content
22:53 - 01.03.2024
Nigeria vs Netherlands: Zirkzee gets call up following confession
Super Eagles eligible forward Joshua Zirkzee gets called up by Ronald Koeman for Netherlands.
16:09 - 01.03.2024
'I was very sad'- Peseiro reveals why UEFA Cup final hurts more than AFCON loss
Jose Peseiro, the seasoned football tactician, recently delved into the emotional aftermath of two significant career moments—the 2005 UEFA Cup final loss with Sporting CP and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final defeat with Nigeria.
14:02 - 01.03.2024
Have the Goals Returned? A look at Osimhen's post-AFCON form for Napoli
Victor Osimhen has inspired Napoli with his goals since his return from AFCON duty with Nigeria's Super Eagles.
14:02 - 01.03.2024
Peseiro confirms exit as Nigeria's coach after 'Pride and Honor' of Super Eagles spell
Nigeria and Jose Peseiro have decided to part ways after a successful outing at the AFCON 2023 in Cote d'Ivoire.
11:35 - 01.03.2024
Super Eagles-eligible speedster motivated by call-up talks amid Nigeria links
Werder Bremen's Justin Njinmah is weighing his international options, with the forward eligible for Germany and Nigeria's Super Eagles.
08:26 - 01.03.2024
Nigerian Wonderkid Ibrahim Hafiz Set for European Sojourn with Norwegian Giants
The superstar in the making could become the latest Nigerian to take roots in Norway, following in the footsteps of John Obi Mikel and Gift Orban
07:44 - 01.03.2024
One Huge Reason Why Osimhen Will Overtake Lautaro Martinez in Serie A Golden Boot Race
The Inter captain has a 12-goal lead on Napoli's Osimhen at the moment but he could see that lead dissipate in the coming weeks
23:38 - 29.02.2024
Incredible Numbers Behind 17-year-old Nigerian Sensation George Ilenikhena's Breakthrough Season in Belgium
George "The Giant Killer" Ilenikhena has been remarkable in his debut season with Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp
22:07 - 29.02.2024
Chelsea Icon Eden Hazard Reveals How Super Eagles Legends Mikel and Moses Taught Him English
The Belgian football legend has opened up about getting much needed help from his Nigerian brothers at Chelsea
21:14 - 29.02.2024
Michael Kayode Set to Reject Nigeria and Arsenal for Italy and Fiorentina
Kayode has been a revelation for Fiorentina since joining the first team as a regular this season
15:44 - 29.02.2024
Zirkzee: Ex-Bayern Munich wonderkid gives conditions to choose Super Eagles over Netherlands
Former Bayern Munich forward Joshua Zirkzee is torn between Nigeria's Super Eagles and Netherlands' Oranje.
12:09 - 29.02.2024
Nigerian journalist slams Osimhen's doubters after brilliant hattrick for Napoli
Victor Osimhen has been in fine form since he returned to Napoli from AFCON duty with Nigeria's Super Eagles.
20:04 - 28.02.2024
Osimhen bags hattrick to help Napoli destroy Sassuolo
Victor Osimhen's three goals and one assist helped Napoli thrash Sassuolo and return to Champions League contention.
13:00 - 28.02.2024
We started together — Troost Ekong speaks on time at Tottenham with Harry Kane
Super Eagles captain Troost Ekong was full of praise for his former teammate Harry Kane.