Recent turmoil within the Nigeria national football team has left the Nigeria Football Federation in suspense, following the refusal of renowned French coach Herve Renard to accept the position of Super Eagles coach.
After being asked by Nigeria to take over the reins of the national team, Herve Renard has opted to return to Saudi Arabia to resume his role as national coach. The move comes after the departure of Italian coach Roberto Mancini and marks Renard’s return to a country where he has already enjoyed success.
With two Africa Cup of Nations titles to his name, Herve Renard has signed a new contract with Saudi Arabia, tying him to the national team until the end of 2025, with an option to extend until the 2027 Asian Cup. His return is seen as a sign of stability and progress for the Saudi team, which is aiming for World Cup qualification.
During his first spell in charge of the Saudi team from 2019 to 2023, Renard had achieved convincing results, including a memorable victory against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
Herve Renard’s refusal leaves the Nigerian team without its main candidate for the coaching position, while the search for a successor to former coach Finidi George continues. The Frenchman, renowned for his success in African football, had seriously considered the Nigerian offer before opting to return to Saudi Arabia.
This leaves Augustine Eguavoen at the helm of the Super Eagles for now, leading the team in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
With the rejection of Herve Renard’s offer, the Nigeria Football Federation is under pressure to find a strong candidate who can guide the Super Eagles to new heights. This situation raises questions about the future of the team and its ability to compete at the highest level.
Ultimately, Renard’s decision to join Saudi Arabia marks a turning point in the international football landscape, while leaving Nigeria searching for a path forward to achieve its sporting goals.