Former Super Eagles player Sam Elijah has cautioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against hiring a foreign coach for the Nigerian national team amid ongoing speculation about the future of interim manager Austin Eguavoen.
Elijah's warning comes on the heels of rumors suggesting that Eguavoen may step down from his role despite leading Nigeria to a strong start in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Under Eguavoen's leadership, the Super Eagles secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Benin and a goalless draw against Rwanda in Group D, placing them at the top of the table with four points, one point ahead of Benin, who have three.
After the draw against Rwanda, rumors began circulating that Eguavoen had resigned from his position. However, Eguavoen quickly dismissed these claims, stating that he remains committed to his role with the national team.
Commenting on the speculation, Elijah expressed his belief that the NFF should resist the urge to bring in a foreign coach. He emphasized that the team performs differently under Eguavoen, demonstrating a noticeable confidence and unity.
"Well, for a foreign coach, we don't need a foreign coach ," Elijah stated. " You can see yourself that the players, the way they play is different. I think they stick with the coach. They believe in him and you can see the calmness even beside the confidence."
Elijah cited the recent performance against Benin as evidence of the team's progress under Eguavoen, noting, " So when a team can beat a team that defeated them 2-1 away and we can beat them silly banging 3 goals, and at the same time beating the white man who brought Benin Republic to Nigeria tell me what foreign coach do we need again."
Elijah called for better support for Eguavoen, including improved pay and welfare for him and his coaching staff, adding, " I think he should be supported, he should be given all the support he will need both financially, both physically and materially. They should pay him well, they should take care of him, his welfare and other coaches and the like, so I think we are good to go. We are winning our matches in Rwanda. I am very sure of that. The team is really doing well ."
The NFF has yet to make a formal decision regarding the future of the Super Eagles' coaching position, but the debate over whether to appoint a local or foreign coach is likely to continue in the coming weeks.
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