Amuneke, Finidi favoured as NFF prepares to announce new Super Eagles Coach

Finidi George (left) and Emmanuel Amuneke reunite at a league match venue. Both are in contention for the Super Eagles job.

A Nigerian coach is in line to be named as the new helmsman of the Super Eagles as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are poised to announce the new head coach, bringing an end to weeks of speculation and discussion regarding the replacement for Jose Peseiro.

The NFF’s decision-making process involved a deliberation on whether to continue with the tradition of hiring a foreign coach or opt for an indigenous coach.

The NFF’s technical committee had leaned toward appointing a European coach, with names like former Manchester City assistant manager Domenec Torrent and current Fortuna Sittard coach Danny Buijs reportedly shortlisted. However, a shift in favour of an indigenous coach became more likely after the Sports Ministry indicated that the government would not participate in paying a foreign coach’s salary.

This development led to a focus on former international players as potential head coaches. Emmanuel Amuneke (sometimes spelt as Amunike), a former Barcelona winger, and George Finidi, an ex-Ajax Amsterdam star, became leading candidates for the role. Early reports suggest that Amuneke might be the preferred choice, with his appointment potentially set to be announced within 48 hours.

Amuneke and Finidi were both integral members of the victorious Super Eagles team at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia as well as that year’s FIFA World Cup in the United States.  USA ’94 was Nigeria’s maiden World Cup appearance.

Emmanuel Amuneke (middle, front row) and Finidi George (right, front row) are considered legends of the Super Eagles. AFP PHOTO

According to a report by Owngoal Nigeria, the NFF has a