Current situation: Why Herve Renard as next Super Eagles coach is a blurry affair

Reports circulating in Nigerian media outlets have once again linked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with former Ivory Coast national team boss Hervé Renard as the next Super Eagles coach, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles coaching role has been left vacant following the resignation of former Ajax star Finidi George, who stepped down after less than two months in charge.

Meanwhile, reports originating from Africa Soccer and circulating in the Nigerian football community suggest that the NFF is pursuing the former Saudi Arabia boss in their bid for a 2026 World Cup ticket.

Can NFF Afford Hervé Renard?

The Nigeria Football body has a long history of owing coaches and players salaries and bonuses. Pursuing Renard’s signature may be another financial burden to avoid.

Renard’s annual salary as head coach of Saudi Arabia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup was reported to be £999,961 (€1,171,734) by Finance Football. According to The Athletic, as reported by Citisports, Renard earns £345,000 (€400,000) annually as the head coach of France’s Women’s National Football Team.

This suggests that the Nigerian football organization cannot afford to pay the former Zambian national team boss, who would demand nothing less than $90,000 monthly if he were to consider coaching Nigeria.

Notably, José Peseiro quit the Super Eagles role because the NFF could not afford to meet his $50,000 monthly wage demands.

Are NFF in a Rush for a New Super Eagles Boss?

The Super Eagles’ next match window is in September, giving the NFF ample time to search for a new head coach.

It is worth recalling that the NFF took more than six weeks to appoint Finidi George as the Super Eagles coach.

While reports about Renard continue to circulate, there has been no official statement from the NFF to confirm their interest. As of now, Renard is only a suggestion for the NFF.

Who Can NFF Announce As the Next Coach?

Three names have emerged as frontrunners on the NFF’s radar, as reported by Soccernet.ng. Former Cameroon coach Antonio Conceicao is reportedly leading the pack for the foreign technical adviser role.

Following Finidi George’s departure, speculation suggests he may return to the head coach position. However, financial constraints have raised conflicting views on hiring a foreign coach.

Consequently, the NFF is contemplating appointing a local coach, with Salisu Yusuf and Samson Siasia under consideration for the role.