The search for a permanent coach for the Super Eagles appears to be nearing its conclusion, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have reportedly decided on German coach Winfried Schäfer as the new head coach.
Schäfer, 74, was previously in contention for the job before the NFF offered it to German Bruno Labbadia, who ultimately did not take up the role with the NFF, citing tax issues.
In Labbadia’s absence, NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen stepped in to manage the team for the recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda earlier this month.
Is Winfried Schäfer new Super Eagles coach?
In the event of Schäfer’s possible appointment, it is expected that Eguavoen will return to his duties as Technical Director. It is also expected that if confirmed, Schäfer is likely to bring his own backroom staff to support him in this new role.
At national team level, Schäfer has an impressive managerial résumé, having led Cameroon to victory at the 2002 AFCON. He also won the Caribbean Cup with Jamaica in 2015 and managed the Thailand national team between 2011 and 2013.
He has also managed clubs in the UAE, including Al-Ahli, Al Ain, and FC Baniyas, as well as Esteghlal in Iran, Muangthong United in Thailand, and FK Baku in Azerbaijan.
Despite his longevity, his last managerial role was with Al Khor in Qatar in 2021.
If he is indeed the chosen one, he will take charge of the Super Eagles in the next batch of games in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in October.
