The Super Eagles coaching role is now vacant following the departure of Jose Peseiro as Nigeria coach, whose contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ended on February 29, 2024.
Several Nigerian legends have shared their views on who the next Super Eagles coach should be, with Segun Odegbami being the latest to add his voice to the ongoing discussion.
Peseiro guided Nigeria to a second-place finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast.
However, Odegbami, who played a crucial role in Nigeria's maiden AFCON triumph in 1990, believes that the NFF should prioritise appointing a Nigerian to manage the Super Eagles and be the next Nigeria coach.
Odegbami: No more foreigners as Nigeria coach
In a reflective analysis, Odegbami delved into the legacy of foreign coaches within Nigerian football, punctuating his points with insight.
“I do not like to bring up the issue of coaches, because we forget easily.”
While discussing the appointment of Clemens Westerhof, Odegbami questioned his initial standing in the coaching realm:
“Who was Clemens in the world of coaching when he was hired? Was he a world-class coach? What club or country of renown did he coach? What trophies of substance did he win?”
He then delved into Westerhof's tenure, acknowledging the controversies surrounding his reign: “The truth is that he was a nobody. Nobody knew him. How he was hired will make Jose Peseiro’s case look very good.”
Odegbami further scrutinised the dynamics of coaching success, drawing parallels between Westerhof and subsequent coaches: “Jo Bonfrere was a ‘nobody’ as well in getting that job. He had no world-class credentials.”
Reflecting on the foreign coaching cycle, Odegbami pointed out the shortcomings of Bora Milutinovic: “His tenure as Nigeria’s national team coach may probably be the worst in Nigeria’s history.”
Amidst criticism of foreign coaches, Odegbami emphasised the importance of Nigerian talent: “No more foreign coaches in Nigeria! Let us sink or swim with Nigerians, even in football”
In a clarion call for national pride and unity, Odegbami urges Nigeria to embrace its own: “The Super Eagles must carry the banner of Nigeria proudly and without any dilution of its spirit to achieve ultimate greatness in the world.”
Who are the Nigerians who have expressed interest in the Super Eagles job?
In response to questions about the vacant role of Nigeria coach, several notable figures have stepped forward to express their interest in the role.
Among them are Emmanuel Amunike and Finidi George, both celebrated members of the historic Super Eagles squad that clinched the AFCON title in 1994.
Amunike, who played a pivotal role in that triumph, brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Nigerian football.
Similarly, Finidi, currently serving as the assistant coach for the Super Eagles and managing Enyimba, has proven his prowess both on and off the field.
Another contender for the position is Sunday Oliseh, a former captain of the Super Eagles and a respected figure in Nigerian football.
Oliseh's passion for the game and his commitment to developing talent make him a compelling candidate for the coaching role.
Additionally, Sylvanus Okpala, a member of the Nigerian team that secured their maiden AFCON title in 1980, has thrown his hat into the ring.
Okpala's extensive experience as both a player and a coach, coupled with his intimate knowledge of Nigerian football, positions him as a strong contender for the coveted position.
As Nigeria seeks to chart a new course for its national team, the interest expressed by these esteemed individuals underscores the importance of finding the right leader to guide the Super Eagles to future success.
AFCON legacy – foreign or local Super Eagles coach?
Since Nigeria clinched its first AFCON trophy in 1980, the men's national team has seen ten foreign coaches take the helm.
Among them, only Dutch tactician Westerhof achieved the remarkable feat of guiding the Super Eagles to glory at the 1994 AFCON.
Throughout this period, a handful of Nigerian coaches have also assumed the role of head coach for the Super Eagles, with former international Stephen Keshi notably leading the team to victory in the 2013 edition held in South Africa.
Additionally, Brazilian Otto Gloria was at the helm when Nigeria won its first AFCON title in 1980.
