From Finidi George to Eguavoen: 7 Super Eagles legends who also coached Nigeria

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have a rich history not only of producing world-class players but also of former legends stepping into the coaching hot seat to guide the national team. 

Over the decades, several iconic figures who once dazzled on the pitch have taken on the responsibility of managing Nigeria’s senior men’s team, bringing their experience, passion, and understanding of Nigerian football culture to the technical bench. 

Here is an interesting look at seven Super Eagles legends who have also coached Africa’s giant Nigeria, from Finidi George to Austin Eguavoen.

Finidi George, a member of Nigeria’s legendary 1994 ‘Golden Generation,’ is one of the most recent former players to take charge of the Super Eagles. 

The former winger, who won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995, was appointed head coach in 2024 after serving as assistant coach under Portuguese Jose Peseiro, who left the team after his contract expired.

Finidi’s playing career was renowned for his pace, skill, and creativity, qualities that made him a key figure in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) win in 1994 and their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance the same year. He earned 62 caps and scored six goals for Nigeria.

As coach, Finidi’s immediate challenge was to blend a strong defensive unit with a more potent attack, especially as the Super Eagles prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

His familiarity with the players and the Nigerian league, gained during his time coaching Enyimba, were seen as a major advantage by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). His early tenure included a notable 2-1 win over Ghana in a friendly, signalling a hitherto promising start to his coaching career.

Augustine ‘Cerezo’ Eguavoen is a towering figure in Nigerian football, both literally and figuratively. 

As a player, he was a commanding right wingback, earning 49 caps for Nigeria between 1987 and 1998. He featured prominently in the 1994 AFCON-winning team and played in two World Cups.

Eguavoen’s coaching career has been extensive and influential. He has managed the Super Eagles on three separate occasions, 2005-2007, 2010, 2024-25, including interim roles and full appointments. 

Known for his man-management skills and ability to foster a relaxed but focused team atmosphere, Eguavoen has earned the respect of players and officials alike. His style contrasts with some foreign coaches, as players have praised his communication and understanding of their preferred roles on the pitch.

In addition to his national team duties, Eguavoen has coached various Nigerian clubs and youth teams, including the Nigeria U-20 and U-23 sides. He is also the NFF’s Technical Director, a role that stresses his importance in shaping Nigerian football’s future.

Samson Siasia was a prolific striker for Nigeria during the 1990s and early 2000s, known for his goal-scoring instinct and leadership on the field. 

He earned over 30 caps and represented Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup and multiple AFCON tournaments.

Transitioning into coaching, Siasia took charge of the Super Eagles and Nigeria’s youth teams, notably leading the U-23 team to the Olympic Games, where they won a silver medal in 2008. 

His tenure as senior team coach in 2010-2011 was marked by a focus on youth development and tactical discipline, though it also faced challenges and controversies.

Siasia’s experience as a former forward gave him insights into attacking play, which he sought to instil in his teams. Despite mixed results at the senior level, his contribution to Nigerian football development, especially at the youth level, remains significant.

Stephen Keshi is arguably one of Nigeria’s most celebrated and successful football figures, both as a player and coach. 

As a defender and captain, Keshi earned over 60 caps and played in three World Cups. He was part of the 1994 AFCON-winning team and was known for his leadership and composure.

Keshi made history as one of the few African players to win league titles in multiple countries and later became a trailblazing coach. 

His crowning achievement came in 2013 when he led Nigeria to win the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa as head coach, becoming one of only two people to win the tournament as both player and coach.

Keshi’s coaching style emphasised discipline, unity, and tactical flexibility. His success inspired many former players to consider coaching careers, and his legacy continues to influence Nigerian football culture.

Sunday Oliseh was a commanding midfielder known for his strength, vision, and leadership. He captained Nigeria during the late 1990s and early 2000s, including at the 1998 World Cup.

After retiring, Oliseh ventured into coaching, taking charge of the Super Eagles in 2015. Though his tenure was brief and he faced difficulties, Oliseh brought a player’s perspective to coaching, focusing on tactical organisation and mental toughness.

His experience in European leagues and international tournaments provided a broad footballing education, which he sought to apply in developing Nigerian football and continues to uplift him following a recent appointment at IFAB.

Christian Chukwu holds a special place in Nigerian football history as the first captain of the Super Eagles to lead the team at the FIFA World Cup in 1982. 

A solid defender, Chukwu, who passed on to glory recently, earned respect for his leadership and defensive brilliance.

He later transitioned into coaching, managing the national team in the 1990s. Under his stewardship, Nigeria continued to build its reputation as a continental powerhouse.

Chukwu’s role as a pioneer both on and off the field helped lay the foundation for future generations of players and coaches.

Daniel Amokachi, nicknamed “The Bull,” was a dynamic forward known for his power and speed. He was part of the 1994 AFCON-winning team and played in two World Cups.

Amokachi’s coaching career has included roles with Nigerian clubs and a brief stint as interim coach of the Super Eagles in 2014-2015. 

Though his time as head coach was short, his transition from player to coach reflects the ongoing tradition of former Super Eagles legends guiding the national team.

The journey from Super Eagles legend to national team coach is a path coated by passion, dedication, and a deep understanding of Nigerian football. 

These seven figures, Finidi George, Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia, Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh, Christian Chukwu, and Daniel Amokachi, have all contributed uniquely to the development and success of Nigerian football.

Their experiences as players have enriched their coaching philosophies, allowing them to connect with players and fans alike. As Nigeria continues to compete on the international stage, the legacy of these legends as both players and coaches remains a cornerstone of the Super Eagles’ identity and ambition.

This article celebrates the dual legacies of these football icons, highlighting how their leadership on the pitch has seamlessly translated into guiding the next generation of Nigerian football stars in different eras.