Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 Ballon d’Or winner and Italian football icon, has revealed why he turned down an offer to manage Nigeria’s Super Eagles. The Nigeria Football Federation NFF had approached Cannavaro in their search for an expatriate coach after Nigeria’s disappointing World Cup qualifiers.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cannavaro explained that while he received offers from Nigeria and Iranian clubs, he is not ready to take up roles outside Europe yet. He stated, I had offers from Nigeria [national team] and Iranian clubs, but I want to wait for Serie A and European clubs until December. After that, I may start travelling again.
Cannavaro, a World Cup winning centre back, has managed clubs like Benevento, Udinese, and Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr but has yet to firmly establish himself in the managerial world. With the Super Eagles missing the chance to tap into Cannavaro’s expertise, the NFF will continue its search for a suitable coach.
For now, Augustine Eguavoen will lead Nigeria into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Editorial
Fabio Cannavaro’s decision to turn down the offer to coach the Super Eagles reflects the challenges Nigeria faces in recruiting high profile managers. While Cannavaro’s desire to focus on Europe is understandable, this highlights a broader issue within African football top managerial talents often shy away from opportunities outside Europe.
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Cannavaro’s managerial journey is still in its early stages, and perhaps his reluctance to accept a role in Africa is a strategic choice for his career progression. However, this situation should prompt Nigeria’s football authorities to rethink how they can make coaching the Super Eagles an attractive proposition for international managers. Competitive salaries and a clear footballing vision are vital, but so is the opportunity for managers to enhance their careers by working with teams like Nigeria.
Although Cannavaro’s rejection is a setback, it should not be viewed as a reflection of Nigeria’s footballing potential. There remains a wealth of managerial talent out there that could bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the Super Eagles. What is needed now is a concerted effort from the NFF to find a coach who believes in the Nigerian project and can lead the team to success in the next AFCON and beyond.
Did You Know?
- Fabio Cannavaro won the 2006 Ballon d’Or, making him one of the few defenders to receive the prestigious award.
- Nigeria’s Super Eagles have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, most recently in 2013.
- Augustine Eguavoen has previously managed the Super Eagles, leading them to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.
- Cannavaro’s playing career saw him win the FIFA World Cup with Italy in 2006, after which he transitioned into management.
- The Super Eagles’ most successful period came in the 1990s when they reached their highest-ever FIFA ranking, 5th, in April 1994.
