The Super Eagles coaching role has been vacant since Jose Peseiro’s contract expired after leading Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Since then, ex-international and Enyimba coach Finidi George has been serving as interim coach, leading the Super Eagles to two international friendlies – where he won 2-1 against Ghana and lost 2-0 to Mali.

Emmanuel Amuneke is one of the leading candidates to succeed Jose Peseiro, having applied for the role after the NFF opened it to all qualified individuals.

The 53-year-old former Barcelona winger seems to be the favored choice, with the NFF opting for a local coach amid public and media calls for an indigenous coach.

“The NFF does not have the funds, and the federal government will not accommodate the humongous fees of foreign coaches in the present dispensation,” said Odegbami.

Is Emmanuel Amunike the right man the Super Eagles job?

The former winger led the Golden Eaglets to lift the FIFA U-17 World Cup while nurturing talents like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.

His team scored the most goals at the tournament, with Osimhen hitting a record ten goals, and players like Kelechi Nwakali, Samuel Chukwueze, and Kingsley Michael making significant impacts.

Amuneke began his senior coaching career with the Tanzania national team, reviving their fortunes by guiding them to qualify for the 2019 AFCON, ending a drought since 1980. However, he left after Tanzania failed to secure a point at the tournament held in Egypt.

While Amuneke will command respect from Super Eagles players and can bring stability to the team, his tenure with the Flying Eagles saw the team fail to qualify for the U20 AFCON in 2017.

Besides, his records with Egypt’s Misr Lel Makkasa SC and Zambia’s Zanaco left much to be desired.

Nevertheless, it seems he possesses the qualities to be chosen ahead of international coaches. With proper resources and support given to him as Super Eagles coach, he could succeed.