The head coach of the Central African Republic, Raoul Savoy has claimed that he could guide Nigeria back to dominance on the continent if he was given the reigns to manage the Super Eagles.

The three-time African champions are currently without a coach following the resignation of Finidi George after a disastrous World Cup qualifier campaign.

Despite having a team filled with individual talents, Nigeria is struggling and may miss out on the 2026 World Cup, sitting 5th on the table with only 3 points from 4 matches.

Nigeria’s players ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers group C football match against Benin. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)

In an exclusive interview with Brila Media, Savoy who once led lowly Central African Republic to a statement win against Nigeria, stated that, “I don’t know why the national team is not doing well. Maybe the expatriate coaches you are taking don’t really know Africa and maybe they are not really good for the team.

“I’m sure I can tell you now that if I take this team with my technical staff, we are going to do very good things and maybe be again the better team in Africa.”

“I don’t know why they took the strange decision, they took some coaches I don’t know, but after they tried. If they give me the team I can promise to make Nigeria a great team in Africa.“

When asked why he didn’t apply, the CAR head Coach explained:

“I can’t apply when I am under contract with another national team, it’s not fair, but in football normally when you want somebody and you are sure that this guy or technical staff is the better one for your team you can just make a call and then we can talk. But I don’t want to apply when I’m under contract, it is not fair.”

Speaking of his coaching philosophy, the 51 year-old Swiss said:

“I prefer to focus on my team’s qualities and skills and implement plans for my team, without worrying about the opponents.”