The availability of one of the most sought-after coaches in world football could see Finidi George’s interim role with the Super Eagles extended for at least the next four months.
The 52-year-old was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as a stop-gap coach for the upcoming international friendlies against Ghana and Mali.
Nigeria will face the Black Stars in Marrakesh, Morocco, on March 22 before taking on the Eagles in another friendly four days later at the same venue.
While George will be in charge of both matches, the former Ajax and Real Betis winger is not expected to be handed the job on a permanent basis, as the NFF continues to search for a substantive coach.
Renard confirms return to men’s football
When Jose Peseiro parted ways with Nigeria following the expiration of his contract at the end February, many names were linked with the vacant Super Eagles coaching job. One of those names was two-time AFCON winner Herve Renard, who is currently with the France women’s national team.
However, speaking at the draw for the football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday, Renard confirmed that he’ll be leaving Les Bleues after the Olympics.
The former Zambia and Ivory Coast boss also revealed plans to return to top-flight men’s football after spending the last 12 months trying his hands on the women’s game.
“I am at the end of my contract on August 31 and to be clear, I announced to the FFF that I will not continue,” Renard said, as quoted by Le Figaro.
“This won't bother anyone, especially the girls, who are used to changing coaches in their club. The most important thing is them, not the coach. The most important thing in women's football is that we have to progress.
“When I read comments, you are never satisfied, but you have to take steps in life. We still need to progress, French football is not the best football in the world. That doesn't mean you can't win the Olympics.”
Finidi George could be in charge of the Super Eagles for World Cup qualifiers
When asked about his next line of action, Renard retorted: “My contract ends on August 31 and I will return to men's football.”
The above development could see Finidi George’s interim spell with the Super Eagles extended until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June. It is no secret that Renard will be in high demand once his contract with France ends in August, and that opens a window of opportunity for the NFF to bring in a proven winner.
If Renard happens to be the NFF’s target, then it’s likely that the Federation would not rush into hiring another manager before the Frenchman becomes available in the next five months. That could, therefore, mean Finidi George being kept in charge for the World Cup qualifiers in June.
The Super Eagles failed to win any of their opening two qualifying matches following disappointing draws against Zimbabwe and Lesotho. However, they showed during the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast that they’re so much better than on their way to a runners-up finish.
Nigeria have two crucial World Cup qualifying games to come in June, with a home match against rivals South Africa in Abuja preceding another tricky away test against Benin. The Super Eagles would have to produce the goods in the two qualifying matches to increase their chances of qualifying for the World Cup. As it stands, only the top two teams will advance from their groups – the table toppers automatically book their place in the World Cup while the second-placed teams will be involved in a playoff to secure their ticket to the Mundial.
