Amidst calls for a turnaround in the fortunes of Nigeria’s national football team, the Sports Minister, John Enoh, has directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to appoint a distinguished foreign coach capable of rejuvenating the Super Eagles.
Enoh emphasized the need for a coach with a stellar reputation and leadership qualities that can command respect from the players. His directive follows the disappointing results of the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, prompting the NFF to seek a foreign technical adviser.
“It’s imperative that we select a coach whose name resonates with the spirit of our nation,” Enoh emphasized. “We require someone with a proven track record and the pedigree to guide us to the 2026 World Cup.”
The NFF is expected to finalize the appointment before the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September, with the draw scheduled for Johannesburg later this month.
Discussing the matter, Saheed Afolabi of Clear TV expressed support for hiring a coach with international experience. “The NFF must prioritize national success over personal interests to ensure Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming World Cup,” he stated.
Afolabi highlighted past coaching choices and stressed the importance of overcoming obstacles to secure the right leadership for the Super Eagles. “Qualifying for the World Cup is non-negotiable,” he affirmed. “Nigerians deserve to see their team excel on the global stage.”