French tactician Hervé Renard has disclosed that he was on the verge of becoming the head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles. Renard, renowned for his successful tenures with Ivory Coast and Zambia, revealed that he was approached by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the unexpected departure of Finidi George in May.
A Lucrative Offer
Renard’s name was prominently mentioned as a potential replacement, especially after discussions with German coach Bruno Labbadia fell through, leaving the Super Eagles without a clear direction. The Frenchman shared that the NFF’s offer was the most lucrative he had ever received. However, after careful consideration over several weeks, he ultimately decided to decline the opportunity.
“I almost went to Nigeria. I weighed the pros and cons for a few days, even weeks, before eventually turning it down. It was the best offer I’ve had so far, but it didn’t suit me in the end,” Renard stated in an interview with French outlet L’Équipe, as reported by Brila FM.
Interim Coach Eguavoen’s Future
In the meantime, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, who is currently preparing the team for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya, has expressed his thoughts on potentially taking on the role permanently. Eguavoen emphasized that any consideration for a long-term position would require a comprehensive contract, along with patience and consistent support from the NFF.
“The Super Eagles job isn’t one you take lightly. If I were to take it permanently, I’d need to sit down, reflect, and think deeply because it’s not a small task,” Eguavoen remarked. He highlighted that success in this role would necessitate time and stability.
Need for Long-Term Commitment
Eguavoen lamented that his previous experiences as head coach were often too brief to implement his vision effectively. “In 2006, I was in charge for six months. Every other time, it was just two months or two to three games. Clemens Westerhof had five years. Gernot Rohr had six years. They got time, but I never had two straight years,” he noted.
He reiterated that to succeed as a substantive coach, he would require long-term assurances and a show of confidence from the NFF.
Conclusion
As Nigeria’s football landscape continues to evolve, both Renard’s near appointment and Eguavoen’s aspirations highlight the challenges and expectations facing those at the helm of the Super Eagles. Fans will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold in the coming months!
