Super Eagles set to battle Egypt for two-time AFCON winner to replace Finidi George

Nigeria’s search for a replacement for departed Super Eagles manager Finidi George is set to intensify as they eye a move for former Zambia and Ivory Coast manager Herve Renard.

Before Finidi’s exit as Super Eagles head coach, the NFF had reportedly made it known that they would be looking for a foreign technical adviser to oversee the national team and Renard was one of the names listed as potential choices.

Renard is currently the manager of the France women’s national team but is set to step down from the role after the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where they are favourites.

According to reports, Nigeria have stepped up their efforts to get Renard, after sending an offer to the French coach, but will face competition from record-AFCON winners Egypt, who also see the former Saudi Arabia coach as a potential replacement for Rui Vitoria, who was sacked after a disappointing 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

Before coaching France women and Saudi Arabi, Renard made a name for himself on the continent, winning the AFCON on two occasions.

The French gaffer first became a champion with a surprise win in 2012 with unfancied Zambia, before repeating the feat with the Ivory Coast in 2015, making him one of the most sought after coaches on the continent.