Finidi’s Replacement: Meet the Foreign Coaches Who Have Shown Interest in Managing the Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to seek a foreign manager for the Super Eagles has generated significant interest in the international coaching market.

Numerous foreign tacticians have expressed interest in taking over the position left vacant by the departure of Finidi George.

While some have shown interest indirectly, others, including Italian coach, Roberto Landi, have been more explicit in their desire to manage the Super Eagles.

Amid these developments, OwnGoalNigeria reports that the NFF is considering appointing a Belgian coach for the national team.

Nonetheless, as the list of foreign managers interested in coaching the Nigerian team grows, Sports Brief highlights the candidates who have expressed keen interest in the position.

Foreign coaches interested in Super Eagles’ role

Roberto Landi
The 68-year-old was recently seen in a social media video expressing his strong desire to coach the Super Eagles.

The veteran Italian highlighted his coaching credentials and provided several reasons why he believes he would be the ideal fit for the Nigerian team.

He also discussed his plans for maximising the potential of the current group of Nigerian attackers.

Most recently, the Italian coach managed the Ghanaian club, Ashanti Gold, in 2020.

David Gordo

The 54-year-old manager is reportedly interested in coaching the Super Eagles, according to circulating reports within the country’s football community.

The former Leganes midfielder has achieved significant success in youth football throughout his career. In 2020, he led the Spanish national U16 team to victory in the International Algarve Tournament.

Previously, the Spanish midfielder managed the Leganes team, overseeing 75 games during his tenure.

According to data from Sofascore, the 54-year-old boasts a career win percentage exceeding 51%.

Giovanni De Biasi
The 68-year-old is another candidate who has reportedly expressed interest in coaching the Super Eagles. The experienced Italian manager has a wealth of experience across several European nations.

His most recent role was as the head coach of the Azerbaijan national team, where he served from 2020 to 2023.

De Biasi has previously managed in La Liga with Alaves and has also had a spell with Serie A club Torino, among others.

According to Sofascore data, the veteran Italian boasts a career win percentage of 35%.

Dario Bonetti
The 62-year-old wraps up the list of managers currently reported to have shown interest in managing the Super Eagles. The Italian gaffer has achieved relative success since his venture into coaching in 1999.

The well-traveled coach was recently in charge of Romanian outfit, Dinamo Bucharesti. Bonetti also boasts a wealth of experience in African football, having previously managed the Zambian national team.

According to data courtesy of Sofascore, the Italian manager boasts a win percentage of 39% throughout his coaching career.