The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has denied reports that , the coach of the France women’s national team, Hervé Renard, is being considered for the Super Eagles coaching position by the federation.
The Super Eagles have been without a head coach since Finidi George stepped down in June.
George resigned after the NFF announced plans to appoint a foreign technical adviser for the team, a move that followed widespread criticism of the team’s poor performances, including a surprising loss to Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last month.
Renard, who is currently in charge of the France women’s national team, recently expressed his intention to leave his position after the Paris Olympic Games next month.
This announcement fueled speculation linking him to the vacant Super Eagles role, with rumors suggesting that the football body had approached the two-time African Cup of Nations-winning coach, with his salary being the main obstacle.
In response to these rumors, Gusau told The PUNCH that there had been no discussions between the federation and Renard. “I am not aware of that for now,” he stated.
Addressing claims that the NFF would need to pay Renard a substantial monthly salary of $180,000, Gusau added, “Did you see it from any NFF communication channel? It is from some of those that are always trying to create confusion.”
Renard has an impressive coaching resume, having led the Zambian national team to victory in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and repeating the feat in 2015 with the Ivory Coast, making him the first coach to win two AFCON titles with different teams. He also coached Morocco at the 2018 World Cup.
Renard is reportedly in discussions with the United States and several Saudi Arabian clubs.
He is among the candidates being considered to lead the United States men’s national team following Gregg Berhalter’s dismissal after the USMNT’s early exit at the 2024 Copa America.
