Nigeria legend John Mikel Obi has disclosed details of a phone conversation with Gustavo Poyet regarding the vacant Super Eagles coach role.
The former Uruguayan international and Chelsea icon is reportedly one of the candidates being considered by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the short-lived appointment of Bruno Labbadia.
Over the course of the September international window, the Super Eagles kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with Austin Eguavoen in charge.
Speaking on his ObiOne Podcast, Mikel Obi revealed that Poyet reached out to him for feedback on what it’s like to manage the Super Eagles.
Mikel Obi lays cards on the table for next Super Eagles coach
“I spoke with him, he was like, ‘listen, what's it like managing the Nigeria national team?' and I gave him my honest opinion,” Mikel Obi said.
“Managing Nigeria's national team is tough. You need to be very patient because things are not going to go as fast as you want it. You need to be patient but things get done.”
The 2012 UEFA Champions League winner, who captained the Super Eagles during his time, also emphasized the strength of the current team, highlighting the abundance of talent available as a major incentive for coaches. Nigeria currently boasts top-quality players like Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface, who have excelled across top European leagues.
“Most importantly, you know you're getting a very good team. It doesn't matter what happens in the hierarchy, the politics of the game. Whatever happens, concentrate on the team. You'll get a good and young team. A team that's ready to succeed.”
It remains unclear whether Eguavoen will continue as Super Eagles coach for the upcoming crucial double-header against Libya in October as Nigeria aim to secure their qualification for AFCON 2025.
