Sports
How I Almost Became Super Eagles Coach – Herve Renard
Renard, who previously managed Ivory Coast and Zambia, said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reached out to him after Finidi George’s unexpected departure in May.
Renard was a leading candidate for the role, especially after negotiations with German coach Bruno Labbadia fell through, leaving the Super Eagles without a manager.
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He admitted that the NFF’s offer was the most financially attractive of his career, but after careful consideration, he ultimately chose to decline.
“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 told French outlet L’Équipe, as reported by Brila FM.
In the meantime, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, assigned to guide the team through the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya, has suggested the criteria that could lead to his appointment as the permanent head coach.
Eguavoen emphasized that any discussions about a full-time position would necessitate a long-term contract, as well as ongoing support and patience from the football federation.
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“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.
“It’s going to be tough. I’d need a long-term contract, patience, and clauses in the deal because you don’t win every day. It takes time to build a team,” Eguavoen told Brila FM.
Eguavoen, who has had three previous stints as head coach, lamented that he was never given enough time to truly implement his vision for the team.
“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 the permanent coach, he would require long-term guarantees, specific contractual clauses, and a demonstration of confidence from the NFF.
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