The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is close to appointing German coach Winfried Schafer as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, following extensive negotiations. Schafer will replace Augustine Eguavoen, who has served as interim coach since August.
Schafer’s Coaching Experience
Schafer brings vast experience as a coach, having led the Cameroon national team to the AFCON title in 2002 and guiding Jamaica to the Caribbean Cup title in 2014.
According to The Guardian, the NFF has reached an agreement with Schafer, who has also managed teams in Thailand and Qatar.
The NFF at first took the likes of Bruno Labbadia and Janne Anderson into consideration before deciding on Schafer because of his vast experience and achievements in African as well as intercontinental football.
Responsibilities and Expectations
Schafer is expected to lead Nigeria in their 2025 AFCON qualifiers and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His official unveiling is due soon, and together with him, he is likely to come with his own coaching team.
However, there have been recent dialogues concerning the integration of local assistants in a coaching arrangement.
In a recent report from Sportsbuddy, Eguavoen has dismmised reports that he stepped down as Super Eagles head coach.
Schafer will take up the position, while Eguavoen will resume his former position as the NFF Technical Director.
The experience from 403 Bundesliga games coupled with different leagues’ championships will definitely put Schafer in a vantage position to lead the Super Eagles in the upcoming tasks.
