Former Ivory Coast manager Hervé Renard has revealed that he was close to becoming the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, a role that would have seen him replace Finidi George. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is currently seeking a permanent coach for the national team, with Augustine Eguavoen serving as the caretaker manager ahead of the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Libya.
Renard, a two-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner and former coach for teams including Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, and France’s women’s national team, was a leading candidate for the position. In an interview with French sports daily L’Équipe, he shared that the NFF had approached him and that he carefully considered the opportunity.
“I almost went to Nigeria. I weighed the pros and cons for several days, even weeks, before deciding to turn it down,” Renard stated. “It was the best offer I had received, but ultimately, it wasn’t the right fit for me.”
As the Super Eagles gear up for critical AFCON qualifiers, the NFF continues its search for a new head coach to lead the team.
Written By; Christopher Emuakpeje