The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to appoint former Barcelona star Emmanuel Amuneke, as the next Super Eagles head coach, replacing Jose Peseiro, who left his role in February, reports said.
After screening applications from foreign and indigenous coaches over the past few weeks, the NFF has reportedly settled for Amuneke, who led Nigeria’s U17 to glory at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Reports claimed that NFF’s decision to hire Amuneke, an indigenous coach, was due to the inability of the federation to pay a foreign manager.
We anticipate an official announcement from the NFF regarding the appointment of a new Super Eagles head coach.
George Finidi, currently the manager of Enyimba FC, will continue in his role as one of the assistants, a position he previously held under Peseiro.
Renowned for his coaching prowess, the former Zamalek and Sporting Lisbon winger achieved success with the Golden Eaglets, leading the Nigeria U17 national team to victory in the FIFA U17 World Cup.
He also impressed as head coach of the Tanzanian national team, guiding the Taifa Stars to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after a nearly forty-year absence.
Despite his achievements, Amuneke’s coaching record with Egypt’s Misr Lel Makkasa and Zambia’s Zanaco received criticism. However, his tenure with the Flying Eagles saw the team fail to qualify for the U20 AFCON in 2017.
The 53-year-old tactician and Atlanta 1996 gold medalist discovered Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze during his time as Golden Eaglets coach.
Amuneke, former Super Eagles assistant coach and member of the victorious Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
