French strategist, Hervé Renard, has admitted that he came close to becoming the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Renard, who has had successful spells with both Zambia and the Ivory Coast, revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation contacted him after Finidi George’s abrupt departure in May.
The Super Eagles were left in limbo after negotiations with German Bruno Labbadia broke down, despite his name being highly touted as a successor.
Renard revealed that the NFF’s offer was the most generous one he had ever received, but he ultimately chose to turn it down after giving it careful thought.
“I nearly traveled to Nigeria. I considered it for a few days, even weeks, and ultimately decided not to. It was the best offer I’ve had so far, but it didn’t suit me in the end,” Renard told French outlet L’Équipe, as reported by Brila FM.
As for the team, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has alluded to the circumstances that would allow him to take on the position full-time. He has been assigned with guiding the team through the forthcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya.
Eguavoen stated that a long-term contract, perseverance, and constant support from the football organization would be necessary before a permanent position would be considered.
“You don’t take the Super Eagles job lightly.” It’s not easy work, so if I were to take it permanently, I would have to take some time to think it through and sit down.
It will be difficult. You don’t win every day, therefore, I’d need a long-term contract, tolerance, and provisions in the agreement. Building a squad takes time, Eguavoen said to Brila FM.
Having served as head coach for three prior terms, Eguavoen bemoaned the lack of time he was allowed to fully carry out his plan for the team.
“I was in charge for six months in 2006. It was only two months or two to three games every other time. Westerhof Clemens had five years. It took Gernot Rohr six years. They have time, but I’ve never had two years in a row,” he said.
He restated that he would want long-term guarantees, contractual provisions, and an endorsement from the NFF in order to be successful in his role as the substantive coach.
