The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) has witnessed a revolving door of coaches, some local and some foreign.
Yet, a trend has emerged in recent years with several former Nigerian national team stars transitioning from on-field heroes to sideline leaders. Let's explore the managerial journeys of some iconic Super Eagles players who have ventured into the NPFL coaching realm.
Samson Siasia: A surprisingly poor NPFL record
A household name in Nigerian football, Samson Siasia's coaching career in the NPFL has been a mixed bag.
In 2010, he landed a lucrative contract with Heartland FC, reportedly earning N1 million per month. Despite the hefty salary, Siasia's tenure was underwhelming. While he guided them to the CAF Champions League, their performance was far from stellar, finishing last in their group.
Siasia's subsequent stints with JUTH FC and Bayelsa United ended in relegation for both clubs.
Daniel Amokachi: Managerial departures
Nicknamed “The Bull” for his powerful playing style, Daniel Amokachi also ventured into NPFL coaching.
However, his managerial career has been marked by short-lived tenures. In 2007, he left his role as assistant coach of the Nigerian national team, hinting at his aspirations for a head coach position.
In 2015, he accepted the managerial role at Ifeanyi Ubah but resigned after a mere five weeks. Amokachi's reasons for these abrupt departures remain unclear, leaving fans wondering about his long-term commitment to club management.
Augustine Eguavoen: A pattern of inconsistent results
Augustine Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles captain, has donned the coach's hat for several NPFL clubs.
He enjoyed a relatively successful stint at Enyimba, leading them to a third-place league finish and a Federation Cup victory. However, inconsistency seems to be a recurring theme in Eguavoen's managerial career.
His 2012 appointment at Sharks FC was short-lived, lasting only seven games after the team found themselves at the bottom of the table. Similar patterns emerged at Gombe United FC and Sunshine Stars, where he was let go after disappointing results.
Finidi George: From underdog to champion
Finidi George's story offers a glimmer of hope for former Nigeria stars seeking managerial success in the NPFL.
Appointed as Enyimba's head coach in 2021, George defied expectations. He transformed the team's fortunes, culminating in a historic NPFL title win in June 2023. This triumph cemented George's reputation as a capable manager, silencing critics who may have questioned his transition from skillful winger to tactical leader.
His recent appointment as the Nigerian national team coach, albeit ultimately ill-fated, was testament to his achievements and highlights the potential for former players to excel in coaching roles.
