As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers draw near, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been on and on to find a new foreign coach for the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team. 

The selection process has been meticulous, involving several high-profile foreign coaches. The new coach will face the immediate task of guiding the team through the AFCON qualifiers starting in September and preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resuming in March 2025.

Top Contenders for the Coaching Role

Herve Renard

French coach Herve Renard is among the frontrunners for the Super Eagles coaching job. Renard is well-known in African football circles, having achieved remarkable success by winning the AFCON with Zambia in 2012 and with Côte d’Ivoire in 2015.

His contract with the French women’s team is set to conclude after the Paris 2024 Olympics, making him available for a new challenge. Renard’s demand for a monthly salary of $180,000 indicates his high valuation of his experience and success rate.

Steve McClaren

Another exciting candidate is Steve McClaren, the former England national team coach, who is currently an assistant coach at Premier League club Manchester United. McClaren’s experience on the international stage and involvement in top-tier club football makes him a strong candidate. His interest in the position suggests he is ready to return to the international coaching scene and take on the challenges of African football.

Additional Candidates and Selection Process

The NFF, under the guidance of its technical committee chaired by Sheriff Rabiu Inuwa ‘Ahlan’, has been thorough in its search. The committee’s members, including football personalities like Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Felix Owolabi, and Victor Ikpeba, have collaborated to identify potential candidates. 

They recently shortlisted a few coaches, including Renard and McClaren, and forwarded their recommendations to the NFF executive committee for the final decision.

What’s Next for the Super Eagles?

The new coach will have to hit the ground running with preparations for the AFCON qualifiers. Drawn in Group D alongside Libya, Benin, and Rwanda, the Super Eagles face a challenging road ahead. The expectations are high, and the chosen coach must harness the team’s potential and navigate these competitive matches.

With the NFF set to make their final decision soon, the anticipation is building among fans and players alike. The right choice could reignite the Super Eagles’ prowess on the African football stage and build a strong path towards the 2026 World Cup.