Paul Aigbogun encourages coaches to apply for Super Eagles head coach role

By Saheed Afolabi

Experienced coach Paul Aigbogun has encouraged fellow coaches to consider applying for the vacant position of head coach for the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles.

The role became available after the contract of Jose Peseiro expired following Nigeria’s second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Aigbogun, who previously served as the assistant technical director for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stated that although he did not apply for the position himself, he supports other coaches in trying their luck for this prestigious role.

He commended the NFF for their decision to retain Peseiro before the AFCON, which ultimately led the team to the tournament final.

Speaking to Football Live, Aigbogun said, “No, I haven’t applied now. I mean, I thought the advert came out obviously, and obviously it’s a job that everybody would try.

“But I think sometimes things come up at the right time in everybody’s life and the right time, it’s not to say that it wouldn’t be an honor to do it, but that just hasn’t been the thought process at the moment.”

Reflecting on the NFF’s decision to part ways with Peseiro after the AFCON, Aigbogun emphasized the importance of considering both local and foreign coaching options.

He believes that the federation’s decision to advertise the position indicates a desire to explore various possibilities for the team’s leadership.

“After the NFF and Peseiro failed to reach an agreement over a new contract, the Nigeria football governing body threw open the job application for the vacant head coach role of the Super Eagles, which have attracted over 60 applicants from indigenous coaches and their foreign counterparts,” Aigbogun added.