The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to announce the next Head Coach of the Super Eagles in January, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled to begin in March, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
According to a top official from the NFF, the process is already underway to secure a highly qualified foreign coach capable of leading the national team to qualification for the 2026 tournament.
In a statement to Bsnsports.com.ng on Thursday, the official clarified that careful consideration is being given to selecting the best candidate from a pool of interested foreign coaches currently undergoing interviews.
The NFF aims to finalize their choice by January, with the selected coach expected to begin preparations at least a month before the qualifiers begin.
While Austin Eguavoen, who served as Interim Coach, successfully secured the Super Eagles' qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), he is expected to revert to his position as the NFF’s Technical Director once the new coach is appointed.
Under Eguavoen’s leadership, the Super Eagles are facing a tight challenge in their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, with only three points from four matches.
The team currently sits fifth in their group, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Republic, all of whom are tied at the top of the standings with seven points. Lesotho follows closely in fourth place with five points.
This transition marks a crucial period for Nigerian football, with the NFF aiming to ensure that the Super Eagles remain competitive on the global stage, especially after the disappointing near-miss for the 2022 World Cup qualification.
The hiring of a new, experienced coach is seen as an essential step toward revitalizing the team's chances for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and continuing their success in continental tournaments.
Oluwayemi Omolagba