The Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) search for a permanent head coach for the Super Eagles took an intriguing turn recently.
French tactician Hervé Renard disclosed that he was approached to take the reins but ultimately declined the offer.
Renard, who has managed Ivory Coast and Zambia, revealed that the NFF’s proposal was the most lucrative he had received. However, after careful consideration, he decided it wasn’t the right fit.
“I almost went to Nigeria. I weighed the pros and cons for a few days, even weeks, before eventually turning it down. It was the best offer I’ve had so far, but it didn’t suit me in the end,” Renard told French outlet L’Équipe.
Meanwhile, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has outlined conditions for considering a permanent role. Eguavoen, who has led the team through previous stints, emphasized the need for:
1. Long-term contract
2. Patience from the NFF
3. Consistent backing
“The Super Eagles job isn’t one you take lightly. If I were to take it permanently, I’d need to sit down, reflect, and think deeply because it’s not a small task,” Eguavoen noted.
Eguavoen lamented his previous brief stints, citing the success of coaches like Clemens Westerhof (five years) and Gernot Rohr (six years), who had more time to implement their vision.
“In 2006, I was in charge for six months. Every other time, it was just two months or two to three games… I never had two straight years,” he said.
As the NFF continues its search, the Super Eagles prepare for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya under Eguavoen’s interim guidance.
