The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports that it is in discussions to hire French tactician and three-time, Herve Renard, as Super Eagles head coach.
According to a close source within the NFF, there have been no approaches made to Renard, who is currently the head coach of the French women’s national team, to replace Finidi George.
Rumours linking Renard, the former coach of Ivory Coast, Angola, Zambia, and Morocco, to the Super Eagles role have sparked interest and discussions among football enthusiasts.
Despite Renard’s impressive record in African football, which includes two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, the NFF is reported not considering him for the position.
Renard also recently led Saudi Arabia to a notable World Cup victory over Argentina.
BBS Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji reported that a top NFF official confirmed with him that there have been no discussions with Renard to replace Finidi, who resigned following poor results with the Super Eagles.
“Nigeria FA (NFF) denies Herve Renard link. This report is inaccurate. We’ve not contacted Renard or his reps,” a top official told @BBCAfrica,” Okeleji said on his X account.
Finidi stepped down after just two games in charge of the Super Eagles, leaving the NFF searching for a new head coach. His tenure saw the Super Eagles suffer a surprising 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan, following a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The defeat leaves the Super Eagles winless after four matches, sitting in fifth place in Group C with just three points, jeopardizing Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Under pressure from fans to appoint a high-profile coach, the NFF has debunked Renard’s talks and is reportedly considering other candidates, including former Cameroon coach Antonio Conceicao.
