Nigeria’s quest to secure a new head coach for the Super Eagles is entering its final stages, but complications remain as the country’s football governing body, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), narrows its focus on two candidates: Swedish coach Janne Andersson and French tactician Herve Renard. The decision is crucial as Nigeria prepares for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, with the clock ticking down to September 7.
The Super Eagles have been without a permanent head coach since Finidi George resigned just two matches into his two-year contract, a tenure that began in May. George, a former national team player who helped Nigeria win the 1994 Afcon, had initially stepped in as an interim coach during the March international window. However, his brief stint saw only one win from four matches, culminating in a 2-1 loss to Benin. This defeat left Nigeria second from bottom in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, intensifying the urgency to appoint a new head coach.
Janne Andersson: A Pragmatic but Delayed Option
Janne Andersson, a seasoned Swedish coach, emerges as the pragmatic choice for Nigeria, balancing experience with affordability. Andersson concluded a seven-year spell as Sweden’s head coach last year, during which he guided the team to the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the last 16 of the 2020 European Championship. However, his later years were marred by disappointment, failing to secure qualification for both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, leading to his resignation in November.
Despite his limited experience outside Sweden, Andersson has shown enthusiasm for the prospect of coaching in Africa. His professional approach, exemplified by his willingness to recall Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the national team despite public criticism, has impressed NFF officials. However, a significant obstacle to his appointment is his availability; Andersson can only assume the role in mid-September, by which time Nigeria’s crucial Afcon qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda will have passed. The NFF is exploring a potential workaround, involving his assistant Peter Wettergren working alongside an interim coach, possibly NFF technical director Augustine Eguavoen, for these initial fixtures.
Herve Renard: The High-Profile but Costly Contender
Herve Renard presents a more prestigious but challenging option for Nigeria. Renard is a well-known figure in African football, having won the Afcon title with two different nations, Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015. His reputation was further enhanced by leading Morocco and Saudi Arabia to commendable performances at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, including a famous victory over Argentina in the latter tournament.
Currently, Renard’s career is at a crossroads after leading France’s women to quarter-final exits at both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the recent Olympics. Despite his proven track record, Renard’s financial demands pose a significant hurdle. Nigeria, although offering the most lucrative contract in its history, is unable to match the $2 million annual salary that Egypt is reportedly willing to offer him. A top NFF official has described Renard’s salary demands as “practically outrageous,” highlighting the financial strain this appointment could place on the federation. Nonetheless, Renard remains the preferred choice for many within the NFF, given his extensive experience and success in African football.
Time Running Out as NFF Faces Critical Decision
With the September 7 Afcon qualifiers fast approaching, the NFF is under intense pressure to finalize the appointment of a new head coach. Both Andersson and Renard bring unique strengths to the table, but each comes with significant challenges—Andersson’s delayed availability and Renard’s hefty financial demands. The NFF’s ability to navigate these issues will be crucial in determining whether the Super Eagles can regain their form and secure a spot in the 2025 Afcon.
The decision is more than just a matter of filling a vacancy; it’s about setting a direction for Nigeria’s national team at a critical juncture. With the stakes so high, the NFF’s final choice could have lasting implications for the Super Eagles’ future on the continental and global stage. As the countdown continues, Nigerian football fans await the announcement that could shape the destiny of their beloved team.
