NFA names Eagles coach Wednesday
The new Super Eagles sweat merchant is expected to be named by the Nigeria Footbal Association, NFA, in Abuja on Wednesday after an emergency meeting of the board, Nigeriansportsonline.com can report.
The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) is on the verge of announcing a technical adviser for the Super Eagles after they met with at least three coaches in London on their new search for a foreign coach for the Eagles.
The new coach might be in charge before the Eagles next African Nations Cup assignment against Uganda in seven weeks' time and German Berti Vogts appear as the leading candidate to fill the technical adviser’s position.
Nigeriansportsonline.com gathered that NFA chairman Sani Lulu said in England that he is on course to recommend 'the right man to NFA stakeholders' next week.
Lulu and a number of officials are in London conducting interviews for what is arguably the hottest seat in Nigerian sport, currently occupied by Austin Eguavoen.
Several names have been touted as potential candidates to take charge of the Super Eagles, but former Germany and Scotland coach Berti Vogts has emerged as the front-runner.
After leading Germany to the 1996 European Championship title, the 61-year-old Vogts then saw his reputation damaged by an unsuccessful stint as Scotland coach.
Much-traveled Frenchman Philippe Troussier also met with the NFA entourage on Wednesday but is not considered a serious contender for the job.
When pressed to reveal a name, Lulu reportedly said: "We're looking for someone with a lot of experience, someone who is well established in the world of football.
"He must also be a globally recognised name who can chart a new course for Nigerian football."
He said the new coach will be expected to help set up and develop a youth structure and identify the next wave of international players.
"We have the raw talent, so we want someone who has the ability to package that talent and deliver results at the 2008 Nations Cup and the World Cup two years later.
"Although we're really not concerned about previous coaching experience in Africa, the man we want must have a very good knowledge of all our players in Europe.’’.