Why I turned down offer to coach Super Eagles – Pitso Mosimane

By Wale Mustapha

Veteran South African football coach, Pitso Mosimane, has disclosed that he turned down the chance to manage the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Mosimane, who has previously managed Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian giant Al Ahly, revealed that he was approached by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take over the Super Eagles after the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Mosimane said he rejected the offer because South Africa and Nigeria are in the same group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, adding that former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha was also putting pressure on him to accept the offer.

“The calls were coming from Nigeria, the talks were there. Jay-Jay Okocha was leading this thing, he was begging me,” Mosimane told SWANA.

“But you know South Africa and Nigeria were in the same group. It’s not too nice, it’s unpatriotic because I want to see my team in the World Cup.

“But also, work is work. You can never deny a chance to coach Chukwueze, Osimhen, those players are unbelievable, those guys are top talents in the world.”

The Super Eagles are currently without a coach following the resignation of George Finidi, who managed the team for only two competitive matches.