Amaju Pinnick promises new Super Eagles coach soon

By: Monsurah Olatunji

Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has confirmed that the Super Eagles will soon appoint a new substantive head coach following criticism over the delay in hiring a permanent manager.

Pinnick, who is also a member of the FIFA council, addressed the concerns raised regarding the NFF’s indecision in naming a full-time coach as the Super Eagles continue their quest for 2026 World Cup qualification.

Since Finidi George’s resignation, the Super Eagles have been without a permanent coach, with the NFF appointing Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen to take charge on an interim basis for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Under Eguavoen’s leadership, Nigeria has already secured qualification for the 2025 AFCON but now faces a tougher challenge in the World Cup qualifiers.

Currently in 5th place with only three points from four matches in Group C, the team’s position is precarious as they head into crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

The NFF had previously announced plans to hire an expatriate coach, with Bruno Labbadia initially the preferred candidate. However, the deal hit a stumbling block, leaving the federation to reconsider its options.

In an interview with Channels Television, Pinnick assured that a new coach would be appointed soon, saying, “Any moment from now, I am sure they would be announcing a coach, an enterprising coach at that.

“I speak to the president [of the NFF] every other day and I know he is very religious about qualifying Nigeria for the World Cup. It is going to be a tough call.”

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, last participated in the World Cup in 2018 and will now be focusing on securing their place for 2026.