Super Eagles Face Coaching Crisis Ahead of 2025 AFCON Qualifiers

Coaching Crisis Hits Super Eagles

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are grappling with a severe coaching crisis as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers starting in September. The resignation of head coach Finidi George, following disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, has left the team without a leader just weeks before crucial matches.

Group D and Upcoming Fixtures

Nigeria has been drawn into Group D of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers alongside Benin, Rwanda, and Libya. The Super Eagles’ campaign begins at home against Benin on September 7th at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. They will then travel to Kigali to face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on September 10th. The top two teams from the group will advance to the tournament in Morocco.

Recent Struggles Under Finidi George

During Finidi’s brief spell as head coach, the Super Eagles faced significant challenges, including a 2-1 defeat to Benin in Abidjan and a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo. These results have left Nigeria winless after four matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, sitting fifth in Group C with only three points, thereby jeopardizing their World Cup hopes.

NFF’s Urgent Need for New Leadership

Despite ongoing speculation, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to appoint a new head coach. The absence of a head coach presents a major hurdle for the Super Eagles, who are eager to bounce back from their runners-up finish at the 2023 AFCON. With less than a month remaining before their first 2025 AFCON qualifying match, the NFF faces mounting pressure to make a timely and effective appointment.

The Road Ahead

The Super Eagles face an increasingly difficult road to the 2025 AFCON without a head coach to navigate these vital qualifying matches. The NFF’s decision in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Nigeria’s chances of securing a spot in the prestigious tournament.