NFF told to appoint new coach for Super Eagles ahead of World Cup

Sam Sodje has cautioned that a delay in appointing a new head coach could jeopardize the Super Eagles’ prospects of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has not yet announced a permanent head coach for the Super Eagles, despite less than two months remaining before the team’s crucial qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

Sodje, who earned five caps for Nigeria, has urged the NFF to accelerate the process of appointing a new head coach for the three-time African champions.

“I think we’re leaving it too late. A couple of months going into the World Cup qualifiers, not having a manager doesn’t look good at all because it’s not club football,” Sodje told Sports 247.

“A coach doesn’t see his players as often as he would love to because it’s international football. It’s so sad that we don’t see how important preparation is to these games.”

The previous team manager, Jose Peseiro, departed from his position when his contract ended in February.

Finidi George, who led the team in the friendlies against Ghana and Mali, along with Emmanuel Amuneke, are the top contenders to replace the Portuguese manager.