With the Super Eagles coach position thrown open by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the expiration of Jose Peseiro's contract, the football federation expects applications to start pouring in.
The news media was awash with the news that former Super Eagles defender and coach Augustine Eguavoen was appointed as the new gaffer, but the NFF has debunked the news.
Nigerians are now curious about who would take over the top job of the Nigerian national team.
There have been many suggestions about who should assume the role made in the press, and they all revolved around a couple of names.
One of the names mentioned includes Emmanuel Amunike, who has previously indicated interest in coaching the Super Eagles.
Amunike applies for Super Eagles job
Former Super Eagles winger and former FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach Emmanuel
Amunike has confirmed that he has applied for the role of the Super Eagles job.
Amunike is no stranger to the Super Eagles, as he has worked in different capacities for the team.
On Friday, Amunike confirmed that he had thrown his hat in the ring and believes he is the right man for the job.
Jose Peseiro had hoped to continue at the team's helm, and he sent messages laden with meaning that he would be interested in continuing on the job.
According to the latest report, Emmanuel Amunike is expected to be announced as the new head coach of the Nigeria National Team soon.
He will have assistance from former players Sunday Olise, Finidi George, and Daniel Amokachi. | #Royalblog pic.twitter.com/mpfzQFeo1s
— Royalblog (@royalblogg) March 5, 2024
However, reliable sources have confirmed negotiations may have broken down with the NFF before the Portuguese sent his farewell message on social media.
Amunike hopes that he lands the job, but he will face stiff competition from other eminently qualified persons.
What works in favour of Amunike?
Besides leading the Golden Eaglets to victory in 2017, Amunike has international experience, having coached several clubs in and outside Nigeria.
The former FC Barcelona winger was the Sudanese club Al Khartoum coach in 2017. He also led the Taifa Stars of Tanzania for one year from 2018-19.
In 2020, he coached the Egyptian club Misr Lel Makkasa and was assistant to Gernot Rohr in 2022.
The 1994 AFCON winner had his last stint as a coach with Zanaco FC in Zambia.
The best for the job in my opinion now is Emmanuel Amunike. I am Praying fervently for him to secure the job💯🇳🇬
— adio olarewaju (@adioolare4ward) March 8, 2024
Another thing going for Amunike is that he brought a few of the current Super Eagles players to the limelight.
Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze were his proteges, and he might be able to get the best out of them.
The ball is in the court of the NFF as they continue their quest for a new coach for the Super Eagles.
Competition for Amunike
Amunike might have a strong pedigree, but there will be competition for him. Some names are already making the rounds to give him a run for his money.
The top of the bill is Augustine Eguavoen. He has previously coached the Super Eagles and led them to a bronze medal finish at AAFCON 2006.
He was able to structure his team to play the attractive football that Nigerians desire, but at AFCON 2021, after winning all their group games, they crashed out in the round of 16.
Finidi George is another name that is making the rounds. The former Ajax winger led Enyimba to win the league last season and is challenging to defend that title this season.
However, Finidi is low on international experience as a coach.
Sunday Oliseh is another name that has been mentioned in those circles. However, having coached the Super Eagles once, he doesn't have a good relationship wth the NFF.
Other coaches who might fancy their chances are Remo Stars and Rangers International FC gaffer Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu. They both stand an outside chance.
No mention has been made of a foreign coach. With the NFF a bit cash-strapped, the federation might want to look inward.
For campaigners of the home-grown coaches, the NFF might heed their call.
This article was most recently revised and updated 7 months ago
