CurrentReport Blog Former Ivory Coast head coach, Herve Renard, has disclosed that he was close to taking on the role of Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach. Renard, a two-time AFCON winner, who has also led Saudi Arabia and France’s women’s national team, was heavily considered for the position after Finidi George resigned following just two games in charge.
In an interview with the French outlet L’Équipe, Renard revealed that he was approached by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and gave serious thought to accepting the role.
“I almost went to Nigeria. I weighed the pros and cons for several days, even weeks, before deciding to turn it down,” Renard stated. “It was the best offer I had received, but ultimately, it wasn’t the right fit for me.”
With Renard turning down the opportunity, the NFF has now placed Augustine Eguavoen in interim charge of the national team.
Renard’s decision comes as a significant moment for Nigerian football, as the nation continues to seek a long-term solution for the Super Eagles’ coaching role. The experienced tactician was widely regarded as an ideal candidate, given his impressive track record in African football, having won AFCON titles with both Zambia (2012) and Ivory Coast (2015).
