Amaju Pinnick, former NFF President, reveals plans for a new Super Eagles coach ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Nigerian football community is bracing for a big announcement, as former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick dropped a major hint on the imminent appointment of a new substantive head coach for the Super Eagles. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sports Tonight on Friday, Pinnick expressed confidence that the NFF would name a new coach “any moment now.”
“We believe the new coach will be announced soon. I am certain they will unveil an enterprising coach at that,” Pinnick said, signaling that the Super Eagles will soon be under fresh leadership ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles’ Coaching Crisis
For the past several months, the Super Eagles have been without a permanent manager following the departure of José Peseiro in June 2024. Peseiro’s exit followed Nigeria’s second-place finish in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), an outcome that left many fans hopeful but also seeking more consistency from the team.
Augustine Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles manager, has filled in as an interim coach since then, leading the team to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament. Despite this achievement, the NFF has made it clear that they are looking for a more permanent solution in preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualification matches later this year.
“The interim arrangement with Eguavoen is only temporary. There is a growing need to secure a long-term head coach to help drive the team’s ambitions for the 2026 World Cup,” Pinnick explained. “Our focus now is on building a robust team that can stand the test of global football in the years ahead.”
A Nation’s Hopes Rest on World Cup Qualification
As it stands, the Super Eagles face a challenging task in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria’s performance in Group C of the African qualifiers has left much to be desired. With just three points from four matches, the Super Eagles are languishing in fifth place, four points behind group leaders Rwanda.
Pinnick, however, remains hopeful about the team’s prospects. Despite the difficult road ahead, the former NFF president emphasized that the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2026 World Cup is still achievable.
“We believe we would still qualify by God’s grace,” he said, a sentiment that echoed his firm optimism. “I speak to the president of the NFF almost daily, and I can assure you that he is deeply committed to ensuring Nigeria makes it to the World Cup.”
Pinnick tempered the excitement, warning that the road to qualification would be tough, but he insisted that the team would push to the limits of their abilities. “I don’t want to raise false hopes among Nigerians, but we are committed to going all the way. We will give it our all. On a scale of 1 to 10, we will push for that 10, and we believe divine intervention will play a part.”
A Legacy of Success and Setbacks
The Super Eagles have an illustrious World Cup history, having qualified for every edition of the tournament since their debut in 1994. However, their journey has not been without challenges. Nigeria missed out on the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and they were heartbreakingly eliminated from the 2022 World Cup qualification by Ghana on away goals.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, represents a major opportunity for Nigeria to maintain its proud World Cup record. But with a tough group and several challenges ahead, much hinges on the arrival of a new head coach who can steer the team back on course.
Pinnick’s Role in the Transition
Amaju Pinnick, now a member of the FIFA Council, has remained a key figure in Nigerian football. His tenure as NFF president was marked by both progress and controversy, but his influence in the global footballing community is undeniable. His assurance that the NFF is focused on securing a high-caliber coach is expected to generate hope among fans, who have long called for greater stability and competence in the Super Eagles’ management.
The decision to appoint a new coach comes at a critical juncture, with Nigeria’s footballing future on the line as they prepare to face some of Africa’s toughest teams in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Pinnick’s remarks signal that the NFF is taking the issue seriously, and fans will be eager to see who is chosen to lead the team forward.
The Road Ahead
As Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hang in the balance, the timing of the appointment of a substantive coach will be crucial. Whoever takes over the Super Eagles will have the monumental task of not only leading the team through the remaining World Cup qualification games but also building a team capable of competing at the highest level in international football.
While the nation’s eyes remain fixed on the next steps for the Super Eagles, Pinnick’s comments offer a glimmer of hope that change is on the horizon. The NFF’s decision to act quickly and decisively in naming a permanent coach could mark a turning point for Nigerian football.
“We are fully aware of the pressure and expectations from Nigerians, and we are working hard to deliver a coach who can help us get to the next level,” Pinnick concluded. “We understand what this means for the country, and we are committed to seeing Nigeria return to the global footballing elite.”
