4 Former Super Eagles Stars That Have Coached NPFL Clubs

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) has seen a variety of coaches over the years, from experienced foreign tacticians to local legends. Recently several former Super Eagles players have moved from the playing field to the technical area, taking on coaching roles within the NPFL.

Here, we will look at some iconic former Nigerian internationals who made the switch from football stars to NPFL managers.

Finidi George

Finidi George, a former Super Eagles winger, stands out as a shining example of success among former players turned coaches in the NPFL. 

George was appointed as the head coach of Enyimba in 2021, and under his leadership, the team experienced a remarkable turnaround. In June 2023, George led Enyimba to win the NPFL title, marking a significant achievement in his managerial career.

His triumph with Enyimba silenced critics who doubted his ability to transition from being a top player to a capable coach. Although his brief time as Nigeria’s national team coach did not yield the desired results, his success in the NPFL shows the potential for former Super Eagles stars to succeed in coaching.

Daniel Amokachi

Daniel Amokachi, known as “The Bull” for his strength and playing style during his time with the Super Eagles, also ventured into NPFL management. His coaching career, however, has been marked by short stays with clubs. Amokachi started his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Nigerian national team.

In 2007, he stepped down from this role to pursue head coaching positions. In 2015, Amokachi took on the role of head coach at Ifeanyi Ubah, but his time there was brief. He resigned after only five weeks, leaving many fans puzzled about the reasons behind his sudden departure. Throughout his career as a manager, Amokachi’s quick exits have raised questions about his long-term commitment to club management.

Samson Siasia

Samson Siasia is a well-known name in Nigerian football, both for his playing career and his time as a coach. However, his journey in NPFL coaching has been a bit rocky. 

In 2010, Siasia signed a lucrative contract with Heartland FC, earning a monthly salary of N1 million. Despite this high-profile deal, his time with Heartland was not as successful as many had hoped. Though he managed to lead the team to the CAF Champions League, their performance in the competition was poor, as they finished last in their group.

Following his time at Heartland, Siasia moved on to coach other NPFL teams such as JUTH FC and Bayelsa United. Unfortunately, both stints ended in disappointment, with both clubs being relegated under his leadership. Siasia’s NPFL record reflects his struggles in replicating his success as a player in his coaching career.

Augustine Eguavoen

Augustine Eguavoen, a former captain of the Super Eagles, has tried his hand at coaching several NPFL teams. His time in the league has seen both success and struggles. 

Eguavoen’s most notable achievement came during his stint with Enyimba, where he led the team to a third-place finish in the NPFL and a Federation Cup victory.

However, inconsistency has followed Eguavoen throughout his coaching career. In 2012, he was appointed as the head coach of Sharks FC, but his time there was short-lived, lasting only seven games. The team’s poor performances left them at the bottom of the table, leading to his departure. Similar outcomes followed at Gombe United FC and Sunshine Stars, where he was also let go due to disappointing results.