NFF under pressure to appoint Herve Renard as fans rally behind French manager

Nigerian football fans have called on the Nigeria Football Federation to hire Hervé Renard as the next coach of the Super Eagles.

Renard, who is currently coaching the French women’s team, announced he would leave his position after the Paris 2024 Olympics, sparking speculation about his next move.

His impressive track record in African football, including leading Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations victories, has made him a popular candidate among Nigerian fans.

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 skeptical 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.”

In addition to his African successes, Renard coached Saudi Arabia to a historic victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup. His experience and success in Africa make him a fitting candidate to lead the Super Eagles.

However, the NFF will face competition for Renard’s services and financial challenges, as he earned €1.1 million monthly in Saudi Arabia and between €150,000 and €200,000 per month in Morocco. The last foreign coach of the Eagles, Jose Peseiro, earned $50,000 per month after an initial salary of $70,000.