The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been characteristically quiet about who becomes the next coach of the Super Eagles.
Since the former coach Jose Peseiro quit his role as the gaffer of the Nigeria national team, the news media has been agog with reports of different names in line to take over the job.
The Super Eagles were to square off with the Albiceleste of Argentina, but the arrangements fell apart when the South American side pulled the plug on the game.
The elephant in the room remains unaddressed as the Super Eagles have two friendlies this month against the Black Stars of Ghana and the Eagles of Mali. Who will lead the team?
The latest report suggests that the assistant to Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, will lead the team to Morocco.
Finidi George to lead Super Eagles against Ghana and Mali
Following the cancellation of the friendly against Argentina, the NFF has scrambled two games against two top sides that featured at AFCON 2023 to fill the gulf.
Despite not appointing a new coach for the Super Eagles, the NFF sent invitations to 26 players ahead of the friendly.
Despite reports suggesting that the Super Eagles' technical director Augustine Eguavoen would lead the team against Ghana and Mali, new information claims that Finidi George could fill the role.
According to the reports, Finidi and Olorunleke Ojo will depart for Morocco after Enyimba's midweek game.
Enyimba will take on Remo Stars in Ikenne on Wednesday in a week 25 NPFL game.
If the reports are true, it will be the first time that former Super Eagles winger and Enyimba coach will take sole charge of the Nigeria national team.
Is this a Super Eagles test for Finidi?
Earlier this month, the NFF debunked the reports that made the rounds that it had appointed Augustine Eguavoen as the new Super Eagles coach.
The federation then threw the position open, as it requested applications from the public.
Several names have reportedly applied for the vacant position, including Emmanuel Amunike. Others who may be interested in the job include Sunday Oliseh and Finidi.
Unverified reports claim that almost 100 names have thrown their hats in the ring, with about 80 per cent home-based coaches.
REPORT:
Finidi George might take charge of the Super Eagles' friendly games this month against Ghana and Mali in Morocco.
Sources confirmed Finidi and Enyimba GK, Ojo Olorunleke will depart to Morocco after their NPFL midweek game against Remo Stars in Ikenne. pic.twitter.com/qYOWszPAlq
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) March 13, 2024
The Super Eagles' friendly games against Ghana and Mali may be a test to ascertain if the Enyimba coach, Finidi, is suited for the job.
Finidi worked under Peseiro, and his Enyimba side is challenging to retain their NPFL title.
The NFF should get its act right
Many have faulted how the NFF has found a coach for the Super Eagles, describing it as unprofessional.
The federation is yet to address the rampant Super Eagles fans on why Peseiro was not retained despite achieving the mandate he was given to reach a minimum of the AFCON 2023 semi-final.
The way Peseiro quit was also tacky, and how the federation allowed the media to run to press with reports of a new coach paints them in poor light.
The NFF needs to do better. They need to move quickly to install a new coach.
Super Eagles Coach Vacant Position.
1.Emmanuel Amunike
2.Samson Siasia
3.Sylvanus Okpala
4.Sunday Oliseh
5.Finidi George
6.Daniel Amokachi
7.Salisu Yusuf.
8- Henry MakinwaMore applicants awaited……
Who should be the next Super Eagles Coach? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/IBjuInrdSz
— Ibitoye Shittu (@IbiShittu) March 13, 2024
The Super Eagles will take on the Black Stars of Ghana on March 22, while the game against the Eagles of Mali is slated for March 29.
Twenty-six players were invited for the friendlies, including two news faces – Gabriel Osho and Benjamin Tianimu.
This article was most recently revised and updated 7 months ago
