Fans urge NFF to go for Renard

Nigerian football fans have urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to appoint Hervé Renard as the next head coach of the Super Eagles.

Renard’s decision to leave his role as French women’s team coach after the Paris 2024 Olympics has set off a flurry of speculation about his next coaching destination.

Renard’s remarkable coaching achievements in Africa, highlighted by his triumphs with Zambia and Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations, have earned him widespread admiration and made him a fan favorite among Nigerians.

Although NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, told our correspondent on Monday that he was not aware of any such development, fans are keen on his appointment.

Sports journalist Bukolami Olajide wrote on Facebook, “The Nigeria Football Federation is said to be interested in the French national women’s team coach Herve Renard to fill the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s vacant head coach position. If this is true, then it will be amazing to have him on board.”

Felix Nwosu added in the comment section, “Best decision ever in the history of football in Nigeria.”

Chuks Obani was sceptical about how the Federation would handle the appointment.

“NFF knows every Nigerian wants this man. They will go for him and use technicalities to prevent him from succeeding. It’s their game plan. We have been clamouring for this man before the interim days of Salisu Yusuf, Austin Eguavoen, Gernot Rohr, Jose Peseiro, and Finidi George,” he wrote.

Akinlolu Alonge wrote, “I’ve always wished this guy got an opportunity to manage the Super Eagles. If this happens, I’d be happy.”

Otunba Ola praised Renard’s abilities as “a very good coach who knows much about African football.”

Richman Oyekuodi also noted, “This is the answer to our football problems. Only if NFF will give him free hands to do his job in peace.”

There were comments on X as well, with more fans calling for the Frenchman’s appointment.

Faruk Adewale stated, “To be frank, It’s a foreign coach who can handle our national team.”

Alexis Chigoziri has always wanted the 55-year-old for the team, saying, “He has always been my choice. I’ve tweeted about this several times.”

Ehi Praise added, “Dear God, please let this be true.”

Prince Chioke believes this is a step in the right direction, writing, “They (NFF) are about to wake up, finally.”

Renard’s coaching prowess has been demonstrated not only in Africa but also on the global stage, where he masterminded Saudi Arabia’s shocking win over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, making him a strong contender to lead the Super Eagles.

However, NFF will encounter two significant hurdles in their bid to appoint Renard as the Super Eagles’ coach: competition for his services and financial constraints. Renard’s current salary expectations are steep, given his previous earnings of €1.1 million per month in Saudi Arabia and between €150,000 to €200,000 per month in Morocco. This is a far cry from what the NFF paid its last foreign coach, Jose Peseiro, who received $50,000 per month, reduced from an initial $70,000.