The search for the next coach of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has been a hot topic of debate among fans and stakeholders.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that the position is open after the contract of Jose Peseiro expired.
Peseiro led the team to a runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but his tenure was marred by controversies and criticisms.
One of the candidates who has expressed interest in taking over the Super Eagles is Emmanuel Amuneke, a former player and assistant coach of the team.
Amuneke is widely regarded as one of the finest wingers in Nigerian football history, and he was part of the squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1996 Olympic gold medal.
He also had a successful coaching career, leading Tanzania to their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance in 39 years in 2019.
Amuneke has received a strong endorsement from Jo Bonfrere, a former technical adviser of the Super Eagles.
Bonfrere, who is from the Netherlands, coached Nigeria to their first Olympic gold medal in 1996 and also reached the final of the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations.
He is considered one of the most successful foreign coaches in Nigerian football history.
Bonfrere told VON that he believes Amuneke is the best choice for the Super Eagles job, based on his experience, mentality and discipline.
He said that Amuneke has a deep understanding of Nigerian football culture and can motivate the players to perform at their best.
He also said that he would be willing to assist Amuneke in any capacity if the NFF appoints him as the head coach.
“Yes, I agree Nigeria needs a local coach at the moment. Not a foreigner,” Bonfrere said. “But the country will have everything to gain if the authorities should appoint Emmanuel Amuneke for the job.
I know him very well. He has a very strong mentality. He has the discipline and technical savvy to achieve results. In fact, if the Federation calls me to provide technical backup to Amuneke, I will gladly accept the task.”
Bonfrere’s endorsement of Amuneke is a significant boost for his chances of landing the Super Eagles job. However, he faces stiff competition from other local and foreign coaches who have also applied for the position.
The NFF has said that it will announce its decision soon, after conducting interviews with the shortlisted candidates.
