The appointment of the new Super Eagles coach has been significantly delayed due to internal power struggles and political maneuvering within Nigerian football circles.
It has been about a year since the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced its decision to hire a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, following poor results under former head coach Finidi George that compounded the team’s problems in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The vacant position has been linked to many coaches, but our correspondent has discovered that various factions and stakeholders are pushing for their preferred candidates, creating a complex and contentious selection process.
Sources within the NFF revealed that the delay is primarily due to conflicting interests among board members, sports ministry officials, and powerful stakeholders within the football community.
“The politics behind the scenes is intense, with various power blocs lobbying to ensure their choice emerges as the head coach,” a source within the NFF told our correspondent. “When the decision to hire a coach was reached, it was initially thought that one of the coaches shortlisted by the technical committee, especially Antonio Conceição, would quickly be appointed. But the dynamics have changed, and the dragnet has now been spread wider with many interested parties pushing for their candidates.”
Insiders indicate that several high-profile candidates have been considered, but the lack of consensus has left the position vacant. The influence of political figures, both within and outside the sporting realm, has further complicated matters, as they exert pressure on the NFF to align with their preferred choices.
Former Mali coach Eric Chelle and erstwhile handler of the Gambia national team, Tom Saintfiet, are now believed to be leading the race for the vacant job. However, despite the intense lobbying, New Telegraph reports that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Eagles should get a new coach by next week.
