You don't have money — Nigeria's 2002 World Cup hero tells NFF on foreign manager for Super Eagles

Finidi George's Super Eagles failed against Benin in a pivotal World Cup qualifying match. (Imago/Shengolpixs)

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Five Super Eagles changes that Finidi George needs to make against Gernot Rohr's Benin (Imago/Shengolpixs)

You don't have money — Nigeria's 2002 World Cup hero tells NFF on foreign manager for Super Eagles

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:16 - 20.06.2024

Former Nigeria International Julius Aghahowa has weighed in on the ongoing turmoil in the Super Eagles coaching department.

Nigeria's 2002 World Cup hero Julius Aghahowa has shared his thoughts on the Nigerian Football Federation's (NFF) decision to search for a foreign technical adviser for the Super Eagles. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that NFF’s decision followed the team's disappointing results in their recent World Cup qualifying campaign.

Ex-Super Eagles striker speaks on coaching problem

The Super Eagles, under the management of Finidi George, failed to make progress after being held at home by South Africa and suffering a painful defeat to Benin Republic in Côte d'Ivoire. 

These results have left Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance, prompting the NFF to take swift action in a bid to revive the national team's fortunes.

Super Eagles boss Finidi George failed to deliver against South Africa and Benin republic.
Super Eagles boss Finidi George failed to deliver against South Africa and Benin republic.

Aghahowa, who famously scored against Sweden at the 2002 World Cup, believes the NFF's decision to opt for a foreign coach is not the right approach. 

The former Bendel Insurance striker expressed his view that the focus should be on developing homegrown coaches and players instead.

Julius Aghahowa scored 14 goals in 32 matches for the Super Eagles
Julius Aghahowa scored 14 goals in 32 matches for the Super Eagles

"I think it's what they want. So they will usually go for what they want, irrespective of what people will see or what people's opinions will be, but I feel we have gone past that," Aghahowa per Complete Sports.

The 42-year-old further explained his stance, highlighting the financial constraints facing the NFF and the importance of giving opportunities to local coaches and players.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau confirmed the search for a foreign manager.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau confirmed the search for a foreign manager.

"Right now, we should be looking inward. First of all, we don't have money to pay foreign coaches right now. I remember how they struggled in the past," Aghahowa said.

"We should look inward and allow our homegrown coaches to coach the national team, but in the long term, if you look at the national team in the past couple of years, we don't have the homegrown players included in the call-up.

Super Eagles players celebrating Bashiru's equaliser against South Africa
Super Eagles players celebrating Bashiru's equaliser against South Africa || Imago

"So, I feel that if we have our homegrown coaches, that should be an opportunity for the homegrown players to be invited to the national team, so we can make our league stronger," the former striker added.

Aghahowa's comments come as the NFF continues its search for a new technical adviser to lead the Super Eagles through the crucial remainder of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. 

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The decision will be closely watched by Nigerian football fans, who will be hoping for a positive outcome that can help the national team regain its form and secure its place on the global stage.

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