The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to appoint German coach Winfried Schafer as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, following the conclusion of negotiations between both parties.
A Guardian report on Monday, September 16, states that an NFF official confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Schafer, who is expected to arrive in Nigeria soon for his official unveiling.
The 73-year-old Schafer, a seasoned coach with a diverse portfolio, previously managed national teams including Cameroon, Thailand, and Jamaica.
He is set to replace Augustine Eguavoen, who has been serving in an interim capacity since the departure of Portuguese coach José Peseiro.
Eguavoen led the Super Eagles in the recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, securing a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic and a 0-0 draw against Rwanda.
Schafer’s appointment comes after a series of negotiations with other candidates, including fellow German coach Bruno Labbadia, fell through. Labbadia had been the initial choice for the role and was set to take charge ahead of the AFCON qualifiers. However, talks broke down over disagreements related to taxation, prompting the NFF to turn to Schafer.
Before Labbadia, the NFF had also held discussions with former Sweden coach Janne Andersson and Herve Renard, a two-time AFCON winner. Ultimately, Schafer emerged as the top candidate for the position.
The 73-year-old Schafer brings extensive experience in African football, having led Cameroon to victory in the 2002 AFCON and a runner-up finish at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2003. His wealth of knowledge in managing international teams is seen as a valuable asset as Nigeria seeks to reclaim continental glory and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Schafer’s immediate task will be preparing the Super Eagles for their next round of AFCON qualifiers and ensuring the team is in peak form for the upcoming tournament. His appointment signals the NFF’s commitment to securing a coach with proven experience in African football as they look to guide Nigeria to success on the international stage.
