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Many Nigerian footballers have enjoyed successful playing careers with the Super Eagles. Over the years, some of these players have decided to remain in football after retirement by becoming coaches. They use their experience to guide young players and help teams grow.
These former Super Eagles stars have taken charge of clubs, national teams, or academies. Their coaching journeys have not always been easy, but their love for the game keeps them going. Some have worked in Nigeria, while others have taken roles abroad.
For some of them, coaching is a way to give back to Nigerian football. By teaching the next generation, they are shaping the future of Nigerian football and helping young talents fulfil their dreams.
This list celebrates ten Super Eagles players who moved into coaching after hanging up their boots.
10. Joseph Yobo
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Joseph Yobo was one of Nigeria’s finest defenders, captaining the Super Eagles to their 2013 AFCON victory. After retiring, Yobo stepped into coaching and became an assistant coach with the Super Eagles in 2020.
While he is still building his coaching experience, Yobo brings leadership skills from his playing days. His presence in the coaching team also inspires young Nigerian players. Yobo focuses on defence, sharing his knowledge from playing in top European leagues. Nigerian fans hope to see him take on bigger coaching roles in the future.
9. Garba Lawal
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Garba Lawal played as a versatile midfielder for the Super Eagles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. After retiring, he moved into football administration and coaching. Lawal has worked with youth academies, focusing on grassroots development.
He also served as an assistant coach for the Nigeria U23 team. Lawal believes in building Nigerian football from the ground up, helping young players develop strong basics. His calm nature and focus on discipline make him a good teacher for young talents. His work helps secure the future of Nigerian football.
8. Ike Shorunmu
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Ike Shorunmu was Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. After retiring, Shorunmu chose to specialise in goalkeeper coaching. He has worked with the Super Eagles as a goalkeeper trainer on several occasions.
Shorunmu’s coaching has helped improve the skills of many Nigerian goalkeepers over the years. His focus is on positioning, reflexes, and mental strength for keepers. Although he has not taken up full managerial roles, his influence on Nigerian goalkeepers remains strong. Shorunmu’s work continues to benefit Nigerian football behind the scenes.
7. Daniel Amokachi
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Daniel Amokachi, also known as "The Bull," was one of Nigeria’s strongest forwards during the 1990s. After retiring, Amokachi stepped into coaching and became an assistant coach with the Super Eagles. He also managed clubs like Enyimba and Ifeanyi Ubah.
In 2015, Amokachi served briefly as Nigeria’s interim head coach. Known for his strong personality, he has been committed to developing Nigerian football. Apart from coaching teams, he has also worked on player scouting and youth development. Amokachi’s experience helps him guide young players on and off the pitch.
6. Sunday Oliseh
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Sunday Oliseh was one of Nigeria’s best midfielders in the 1990s, famous for his goal against Spain in the 1998 World Cup. After retiring, Oliseh studied coaching in Europe and earned his UEFA badges. He managed the Nigerian national team in 2015 but resigned due to disagreements with football authorities.
Before that, Oliseh worked as a coach in the Netherlands, handling clubs like Fortuna Sittard, where he achieved promotion. His coaching style focuses on discipline and technical football. Despite challenges, Oliseh remains an important figure in the Nigerian coaching industry.
5. Samson Siasia
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Samson Siasia was a top forward for Nigeria in the 1990s. After his playing days, he quickly moved into coaching. Siasia made his name by coaching Nigeria’s U20 and U23 teams, winning a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics and leading Nigeria to the U20 World Cup final in 2005. He also coached the Super Eagles at senior level.
Although he faced challenges, including a FIFA ban, Siasia’s contribution to Nigerian football as a coach cannot be forgotten. His teams often played exciting, attacking football.
4. Augustine Eguavoen
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Augustine Eguavoen was a solid defender during his playing days with the Super Eagles. After retirement, he became a coach and has handled several teams in Nigeria. Eguavoen managed the Super Eagles on different occasions, including at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.
He is currently the technical director at the Nigeria Football Federation. Known for his calm approach, Eguavoen focuses on building disciplined teams. Although results have been mixed, his passion for Nigerian football has kept him involved in various coaching roles over the years.
3. Finidi George
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Finidi George, one of Nigeria’s best wingers, enjoyed a brilliant playing career in Europe. After hanging up his boots, Finidi turned to coaching. He recently led Enyimba FC to the Nigeria Premier Football League title in 2023, and his coaching success earned him a role with the Super Eagles, first as an assistant and later as head coach.
Finidi is admired for his tactical awareness and calm leadership. His experience in European football has shaped his approach to coaching Nigerian players.
2. Emmanuel Amuneke
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Emmanuel Amuneke was a hero for Nigeria during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1996 Olympics. After retiring, he moved into coaching, starting with youth teams. Amuneke coached the Nigeria U17 team and led them to win the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2015.
He later coached in Tanzania, helping the national team qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Amuneke is well-respected for his work in developing young talent. His success with youth players shows his commitment to the growth of Nigerian football.
1. Stephen Keshi
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The late Stephen Keshi remains one of Nigeria’s greatest football legends, both as a player and a coach. After retiring from international football, Keshi moved into coaching and made history by leading Nigeria to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
He also coached Togo and Mali, proving his skill beyond Nigeria. Keshi was known for his ability to discover and trust local players, helping them succeed at the international level. His achievements inspired many young Nigerian coaches, leaving a lasting impact on African football.
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