The former international player Emmanuel Amuneke, along with Domenec Torrent and Antonio Conceicao, have emerged as the final three candidates for the Super Eagles coaching position.
A reliable source within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), told DAILY Post that the NFF's technical committee has submitted a shortlist of three coaches to the executive committee for consideration.
The shortlist features a mix of local and international experience:
- Emmanuel Amuneke: A former Nigerian international, Amuneke boasts coaching experience at the youth level with the Nigeria U-17 team and internationally with the Tanzanian national team.
- Domenec Torrent: A Spanish coach who previously served as assistant to Manchester City's Pep Guardiola. His experience working alongside one of the world's most successful managers makes him a compelling candidate.
- Antonio Conceicao: A Portuguese manager who most recently led the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. His experience in African football could prove valuable for the Super Eagles.
The source also revealed a potential split within the NFF regarding the desired candidate:
"Torrent is the number one candidate among the foreign coaches with Conceicao the second choice," the source told DAILY POST. "For the local coaches, Amuneke has the best CV and experience. He is far ahead of his colleagues."
This suggests a potential preference for a foreign coach among some board members, while others advocate for a homegrown solution.
"Majority of the board members are in support of a foreign coach, while others want a local lad," the source continued. "So, either of these three men, all things being equal will get the job at the end of the day."
The final decision on the next Super Eagles coach will rest with the NFF executive committee, with all eyes now on who will be chosen to lead the national team forward.