Dimeji Lawal, a former Nigerian international, has emphasized the urgency of appointing a new head coach for the Super Eagles following Finidi George’s resignation in June.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers rapidly approaching, Lawal has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to expedite the recruitment process to ensure the team is well-prepared for upcoming competitions.
Since Finidi George’s departure, Nigeria’s national team has faced inconsistent performances, which could impact their standing in international competitions like the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
Finidi, who previously served as an assistant to Jose Peseiro during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, managed the team for a brief 40-day stint, leaving the head coach position vacant.
“I think the NFF must take a drastic decision in appointing a new coach for the Super Eagles since the qualifiers are around the corner,” Lawal told Complete Sports.
“Delay in the appointment of a coach often affects the team’s performance because the coach does not have time to relate perfectly with the players.
But if it doesn’t happen that way, then the NFF should appoint a coach on an interim basis for the Super Eagles.”
The delay in hiring a new head coach is causing concern as Nigeria prepares for its AFCON qualifying campaign, with matches against Rwanda, Benin, and Libya on the horizon.
Only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the tournament, set to take place in Morocco in 2025.
Lawal stresses that the new head coach needs sufficient time to acclimate to the team and develop strategies to ensure success in these crucial matches.
The appointment of a new head coach is seen as critical to the Super Eagles’ ability to perform well in upcoming tournaments, and Lawal’s comments underscore the importance of swift action by the NFF to stabilize the team’s leadership and improve their competitive edge.
