Former Arsenal and Nigeria star Nwankwo Kanu believes the Super Eagles coaching role is a prime opportunity for any manager, citing the abundance of talent in Nigeria’s national squad, MySportDab Reports.
As Nigeria continues its search for a permanent head coach following Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro’s departure, Kanu has voiced his frustrations with the instability surrounding the coaching position but remains optimistic about the team’s potential.
Nigeria, known for its historical achievements in African and international football, boasts three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles and has reached the World Cup knockout stages three times.
Additionally, the country captured global attention in 1996 when Kanu captained Nigeria’s “Dream Team” to an Olympic gold in Atlanta, defeating both Argentina and Brazil to secure Africa’s first Olympic football gold medal.
Kanu, whose career includes success with European clubs like Arsenal and Ajax, expressed disappointment with the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) struggles in securing a long-term manager.
Following Peseiro’s exit after guiding Nigeria to a second-place finish at AFCON, Nigeria briefly appointed former Super Eagles winger Finidi George, only for him to depart shortly after.
Recent reports suggest the NFF has encountered difficulties attracting high-profile European coaches, with names like Hervé Renard and Bruno Labbadia reportedly declining the role.
In an interview with Brila.net, Kanu emphasized Nigeria’s enviable depth, calling the coaching role a “blessing” for any manager. “Whoever coaches Nigeria is blessed. We are blessed with players; with superstars,” Kanu stated. He underscored that with a squad brimming with skill and potential, any coach—foreign or local—has the resources to lead Nigeria successfully.
“The main thing is to put them together,” Kanu continued. “It doesn’t matter who is in charge; foreign or local coach, they are blessed to manage any Nigerian team.” He also highlighted the team’s depth, adding, “When you have a team with 40 good players, what more could a coach ask for? You have 11 players on the pitch, another 11 on the bench who want to play. You are blessed with that.”
Kanu’s remarks come as former Super Eagles player Augustine Eguavoen temporarily manages the team. Eguavoen’s positive recent results have prompted calls for him to take the role permanently, especially as Nigeria closes in on AFCON 2025 qualification.
