In a significant move to bolster the performance of Nigeria’s U-20 national football team, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced a call for applications to fill the vacant coaching position for the Flying Eagles.
This vacancy comes in the wake of Ladan Bosso’s departure, whose contract with the NFF ended following the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.
Bosso, who has recently joined Bayelsa United in the Nigeria Premier Football League, led the Flying Eagles through a challenging period.
Despite his tenure encompassing the 2023 African Games held in Ghana earlier this year, where the team was eliminated in the group stages with only one victory, Bosso’s contract officially concluded after the World Cup.
The NFF’s decision to seek a new coach is timed with the forthcoming qualifiers for the 2025 U-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Chile.
The federation is keen on appointing a successor who can navigate the team through these crucial qualifiers and restore its competitive edge on the global stage.
According to the public notice posted on the NFF’s website, the ideal candidate for the position must hold at least a CAF B License.
Applicants should have a minimum of five years of experience in football coaching and possess a thorough understanding of Nigeria’s domestic football scene.
Strong leadership qualities, effective communication skills in English, and a proven track record of success in coaching over the past three years are also required.
The NFF’s statement underlined the importance of integrity and transparency in the role.
The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with the NFF Technical Department and the NFF Technical Sub-Committee, maintaining a cooperative relationship with the federation’s leadership.
Additionally, the federation is open to receiving applications from Nigerian coaches both within the country and those working abroad.
“The public notice, which is on the Federation’s website, has specified for candidates to possess at least a CAF B License, must have been in football coaching for at least five years, be conversant with Nigeria’s domestic game, possess strong leadership qualities, and be able to communicate effectively in the English language,” the NFF stated on Monday.
The application process is open until midnight on Sunday, August 4, giving interested candidates six days from the announcement to submit their applications.
This swift timeline underscores the urgency with which the NFF is addressing the coaching vacancy, reflecting their commitment to preparing the Flying Eagles for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
As the search for a new coach intensifies, the NFF’s decision will likely be closely watched by fans and stakeholders in Nigerian football, all hopeful for a new era of success for the Flying Eagles.
