Former England international and 1988 FA Cup winner John Fashanu has publicly declared his interest in becoming the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Speaking to journalists during a visit to Ogun State, Fashanu said he is confident in his ability to lead the team if supported by the right people who understand the game.
“I want to be the manager of the Eagles that’s one of the hardest jobs in this country,” he said. “But I’m saying I can do it and I can do it with the right people… it’s about getting players with the right mentality, the right character, players who want to play for the country.”
Fashanu, now 62, also spoke of his personal connection to Nigeria and expressed regret over not playing for the Super Eagles. Although he was eligible to represent Nigeria, he chose to play for England and earned three caps between 1989 and 1990.
Despite his enthusiasm, Fashanu has no prior coaching experience. Since retiring from football in 1995, he has remained active in the public eye but has not held a professional managerial position.
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Editorial
John Fashanu’s interest in leading the Super Eagles is certainly bold—and, depending on where you stand, either inspiring or audacious. His passion for Nigeria is not in question. His legacy as a footballer, particularly his time at Wimbledon, is well-documented. But being a great player doesn’t automatically translate into being a great coach.
The Super Eagles job is not ceremonial; it is a demanding, high-pressure position that requires not only tactical acumen but also experience in managing egos, systems, and expectations across continents. As much as we welcome any Nigerian or person of Nigerian heritage who wants to contribute to the national project, the question must be asked: on what basis would Fashanu be appointed?
Nigerian football needs leadership rooted in modern football structures, technical preparation, and consistent performance under pressure. If Fashanu is serious, we encourage him to start within the local system—perhaps at a developmental level—to build the credentials his heart already carries.
Desire alone cannot drive a nation’s footballing future. We respect his enthusiasm, but we need more than nostalgia and name recognition to move forward.
Did You Know?
- John Fashanu won the FA Cup with Wimbledon in 1988, famously defeating Liverpool in one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history.
- Despite being eligible, Fashanu never played for Nigeria and later described it as one of his career regrets.
- He scored over 130 goals in his club career, including 107 for Wimbledon alone.
- His brother, Justin Fashanu, was the first openly gay professional footballer and also began his career at Norwich City.
- After retiring, Fashanu became a television presenter and was once the co-host of the Nigerian version of the game show “Deal or No Deal.”
