Former England national team manager Steve McClaren has emerged as a contender for the head coach position of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, according to Score Nigeria.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been searching for a new head coach since Finidi George’s departure last month and has shortlisted several candidates, including McClaren and Herve Renard, the former coach of Cote d’Ivoire and Zambia.
McClaren’s coaching career spans over two decades, starting at Oxford United before moving to Derby County in 1995.
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He later joined Manchester United as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999. McClaren then managed Middlesbrough, leading them to their first major trophy, the League Cup, in 2004, and the UEFA Cup final in 2006.
In 2006, McClaren became England’s manager but was dismissed in 2007 after failing to qualify for Euro 2008. He then managed Dutch club Twente, winning the Eredivisie championship in 2010.
However, his subsequent stints at VfL Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Newcastle United, and Queens Park Rangers were less successful.
Since 2022, McClaren has been part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom coaching staff at Manchester United. His experience and track record make him a notable contender for the Super Eagles coaching position. The NFF is expected to make a decision soon.
The Super Eagles have been seeking a new head coach after Finidi George’s departure following disappointing results against South Africa and Benin last month. The team has been without a head coach since then, and the NFF has been searching for a suitable replacement.
McClaren’s interest in the Super Eagles coaching job is a significant development, given his experience and achievements in European football. If appointed, he would bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team, which has been struggling to find its footing in recent times.
The decision by the NFF is eagerly awaited, and football fans in Nigeria are hoping for a positive outcome that would revitalize the Super Eagles and restore their pride in African football.
