Julius Agahowa urges NFF to prioritize local coaches over foreign hires

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Former Super Eagles player Julius Agahowa has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to consider local coaches for the men’s senior team rather than pursuing foreign hires like Herve Renard. The Super Eagles have been without a coach since Finidi George’s resignation in June, and the NFF is seeking a replacement before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign begins.

Agahowa’s comments come as the NFF considers Renard, Tom Saintfiet, and Eric Chelle for the coaching position. While Renard boasts an impressive record, including AFCON titles with Zambia and the Ivory Coast, Agahowa’s concerns about affordability and the potential of local coaches cannot be ignored.

“The coach [Renard] is a very good coach, but we have to be realistic. Can we afford him with the price tag?” Agahowa told Brila FM. “We might not pay local coaches as much as foreign coaches, but pay them well, give them enough time to build the team, and I have confidence in our local coaches.”

Agahowa’s argument is rooted in the NFF’s history of payment issues. The federation has struggled to pay coaches’ salaries, with former coach Jose Peseiro reportedly owed months’ worth of wages. Renard’s demands for a salary double that of Peseiro’s raise concerns about the NFF’s ability to meet its financial obligations.

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Furthermore, Agahowa believes that local coaches have the potential to succeed with the Super Eagles. He argues that investing in homegrown talent can lead to long-term benefits, such as developing a coaching style tailored to Nigerian football and creating a sense of continuity.

The NFF’s reliance on foreign coaches has been a topic of debate in Nigerian football circles. While foreign coaches have brought success in the past, the lack of investment in local coaches has hindered the development of Nigerian football.

The search for a new coach continues and  the NFF must weigh its options carefully. Hiring a foreign coach like Renard may bring short-term success, but investing in local coaches can lead to long-term benefits.

While Herve Renard’s credentials are impressive, the NFF must consider the financial and long-term implications of hiring a foreign coach. By giving local coaches the opportunity to succeed, the NFF can create a brighter future for Nigerian football.