The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to appoint a foreign coach for the national team following a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. This decision marks a reversal of last month’s appointment of a local coach, which had initially been met with approval from Nigerian fans.
“The Executive Committee resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the (2025) AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches,” stated the NFF.
In May, former Ajax winger Finidi George was appointed as Nigeria’s new coach after Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro concluded his tenure, having led the team to the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year. However, the recent 2-1 defeat to Benin has left the Super Eagles second from the bottom in Group C, with just three points from four matches. They trail Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin by four points.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with only the nine group winners from the African qualifiers automatically advancing to the expanded 48-team tournament. The four best group runners-up will enter a play-off, with one team advancing to an inter-confederation play-off.
The NFF’s decision to seek an expatriate coach underscores the urgency to revive the Super Eagles’ campaign and secure a place in the World Cup.
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