A new face appears poised to lead the Nigerian team from the dugout during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in September.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which recently appointed Finidi George as coach of the Super Eagles, seems keen on replacing him with a foreign manager.
According to reports from Nigeria football expert Bayo Adegboyega, members of the federation hierarchy who had placed their faith in Finidi are now very displeased with the manager.
This follows underwhelming results against South Africa and the Benin Republic, leading them to consider replacing him in hopes of reviving the country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dream.
As the NFF prepares to meet and discuss potential candidates, several names have emerged in footballing circles.
In light of these developments, Sports Brief highlights three candidates who could be the ideal fit to lead the Super Eagles.
Coaching candidates to lead the Super Eagles
Herve Renard
The 55-year-old coach was among the many names linked with the Nigerian team after Jose Peseiro’s departure. However, his commitments with the French women’s national team and the Olympics prevented him from being considered.
Nevertheless, with the Olympics concluding before the next round of the AFCON qualification series begins, Renard could be in a position to be named as the next manager of the Super Eagles.
Renard has enjoyed significant success on the African continent, winning the AFCON tournament twice with Zambia and Ivory Coast. He also boasts an impressive win percentage, averaging over 2.0 points per game at Morocco, according to data from Fotmob.
Pitso Mosimane
The 59-year-old coach was considered a candidate for coaching the Super Eagles before Finidi’s appointment.
The Abha club manager is currently in high demand, with reports linking him to the vacant position at Kaizer Chiefs.
Mosimane was one of the candidates suggested to take over as coach of the Super Eagles by former midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha.
With vast experience in African football, the South African manager could be the key to helping the Nigerian team revive their faltering qualification campaign.
Antonio Conceicao
The Portuguese manager has been linked with coaching the Super Eagles since his departure from Cameroon in 2022.
Conceicao applied to coach Nigeria when the NFF had a contract standoff with Peseiro in May 2022, but his application was overlooked. He applied again most recently, but the NFF ultimately chose Finidi.
Nevertheless, it seems that the 62-year-old’s time to lead the Super Eagles is approaching, with Score Nigeria identifying him as one of the top candidates being considered by the NFF hierarchy.
Conceicao has extensive experience on the African continent. His appointment could significantly boost Nigeria’s chances of securing a World Cup spot.
Source: www.sportsbrief.com
