Despite naming three different head coaches since Peseiro’s departure in March, the NFF has yet to secure a permanent manager for the Super Eagles ahead of AFCON qualifiers in September.
Former Liberia head coach Roberto Landi has expressed interest in becoming the next manager of the Super Eagles, despite the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) flawed recruitment process.
Landi confirmed that he had applied for the role but has yet to be contacted by the NFF. The Italian believes the delay might be due to the high volume of applications, given the prestige associated with managing the Super Eagles.
“I spoke with my agent, and he’s assured me that all is well while looking at some possible offers on the table. I wondered about the silence since my resume got turned in and no one from the federation has reached out,’’ Landi told SportsBoom.
“Maybe you want to know what their [NFF] preferences might be. We’re waiting, but everyone knows how big a job the Super Eagles role is.’’
Landi also criticised the NFF for its poor handling of Bruno Labbadia’s appointment and the unresolved contractual issues that made the German coach back out of the agreement barely 72 hours after he was announced as Nigeria’s new head coach.
“I don’t know, but that is crazy,’’ the 58-year-old said. “If that’s the case, it’s crazy. No one wants to be treated that way or disrespected, and you see why one would walk out. I say it because no one wants to be treated in that way.
“All contractual agreements need to be covered before anything becomes official, and a big body like the NFF knows this. I do not know any other details of this story aside from what we read from the media, but I believe they know what to do.’’
Since the departure of José Peseiro in March, the NFF has named three different head coaches for the Super Eagles, yet the team remains without a permanent manager ahead of the commencement of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Saturday, September 7. Despite this concerning trend, Landi believes the Super Eagles is still an attractive side and wishes interim coach Austin Eguavoen well.
“Yes, the lure is still there. I understand Mr Austin [Eguavoen] will be in charge of the team’s games. I wish him and the team the best of luck. Ciao.”
Before he retired at 30, Landi had a decent career as a goalkeeper before transitioning into coaching. Beyond his one-year stint as Liberia’s head coach, the Italian has managed several notable teams, including Georgia U21, Lithuania U21, Livingston, and Union SG, among others.
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