While Stephen
Keshi’s departure from the Nigeria hotseat is yet to be confirmed by all parties and Nigeria currently under FIFA ban discussion is already moving to the question of who will take over as Super Eagles coach.
It is a decision that carries a great deal of weight for the Nigeria Football Federation, even as there are indications that the presidency wants Keshi to remain on his job. The ‘Big Boss’ has set the groundwork in place for a sustained era of success for Nigeria.
Keshi has cultivated a talented young squad, afforded them the confidence that comes from winning the Cup of Nations and securing World Cup qualification and, with the right man in charge, the good times can continue.
However, get the decision wrong and things could unravel for the Super Eagles…it has happened before!
Below are five prominent possible options to replace Keshi should he move on eventually.
Sunday Oliseh

Oliseh is one of the frontrunners for the Nigeria job and would continue the country’s recent tradition of employing former players in key management positions.
Oliseh played alongside Keshi for the Super Eagles, while the likes of Daniel Amokachi and Samson Siasia have also been heavily involved in the administration of the national side.
The former defensive midfielder has limited managerial experience – nothing beyond short, forgettable stints in the Belgian lower leagues – but accrued 63 caps for Nigeria during his celebrated playing career. His time at Ajax, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund should ensure that he has the respect of the current generation.
Oliseh was, in fact, close to taking the Eagles job six years ago, but was overlooked due to his lack of coaching experience. Not much has changed in the intervening period, but if the noises coming out of the NFF are anything to go by, the 39-year-old remains the favourite for the top job.
Shaibu Amodu

While the appointment of Oliseh would largely be greeted with excitement by Nigeria fans, the other frontrunner for the position, Amodu, is a much less inspiring option.
The 56-year-old has already had four separate stints as Nigeria manager, first taking the job in 1994 and, most recently, being sacked in 2010 ahead of the World Cup.
Amodu oversaw two third-placed finishes at the Cup of Nations and also qualified Nigeria for two World Cups.
While the veteran coach knows Nigerian football inside out, and also has a valuable understanding of the grassroots game, he has previously been criticised for his tactical knowledge, his in-game approach and his decision-making.
He is unlikely to help Nigeria overcome the various gripes that affected Keshi’s reign.
Herve Renard

At first glace, Renard seems like an ideal compromise between an ‘impact manager’, i.e. someone who will come in and oversee an immediate improvement in results, and a long-term planner.
During his first spell at Zambia (between 2008 and 2010) he laid the groundwork for the Chipolopolo’s unforgettable 2012 Cup of Nations victory. Renard focused on a small, talented collective of players, gave responsibility to young and hungry characters and built a commendable team spirit.
The Super Eagles currently possess a number of talented youngsters who have already achieved a great deal and could be set to guide Nigeria into an era of unprecedented success. Renard already has a track record for developing this profile of player.
He also has extensive experience of African football; beyond Zambia he has also managed Angola and assisted Claude le Roy with the Ghana national side.
There is, however, a concern that Renard may not want to re-immerse himself within the African game as he seeks to establish a reputation in Europe. He was unable to prevent Sochaux’s relegation, however, and West Bromwich Albion overlooked him for their vacant post, so the Nigeria job might carry the kind of prestige that the Frenchman is looking for.
Vahid Halilhodzic

Fresh from guiding Algeria to the World Cup last 16 for the first time in their history, Halilhodzic’s stock couldn’t be higher. Could the Bosnian manager now be set to bring his magic touch to Calabar?
Having stepped down from his post following Les Fennecs’ elimination, the former Paris Saint-Germain coach is now a free agent and might be a tempting proposition for the NFF.
Halilhodzic, like Renard, has experience of West African football, having overseen the Golden Generation of the Cote d’Ivoire between 2008 and 2010.
He has also proved himself to be tactically astute. Few expected too much from Algeria in Brazil, but thanks to Halilhodzic’s strategic intuition, his ability to rotate and implement different approaches, and the side’s marvellous team spirit, the North Africans became one of the tournament’s success stories.
Carlos Queiroz

Nigeria fans have recent first-hand experience of Queiroz’s qualities, having encountered Iran in their opening World Cup contest. What they came up against was a well-organised, resilient bunch; very much typical of the qualities the Portuguese manager can offer to a team.
Iran also demonstrated excellent defensive organisation against Argentina, much like Queiroz’s Portugal side in 2010 who bowed out having conceded only one goal in the tournament (against Spain).
Beyond experience of managing across the world (as well as a two-year stint with South Africa in 2000-02), Queiroz has taken the helm at Real Madrid and worked under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
Could his myriad qualities be exactly what the Super Eagles are looking for?
Dove writes for Kickoffnigeria.com

 
Ed Dove