Former Sweden manager linked with Super Eagles job

Former Sweden manager Janne Andersson is reportedly the top candidate for the vacant head coach position of the Super Eagles. Although the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to make an official announcement, sources from Score Nigeria indicate that the 61-year-old Andersson is set to take charge of Nigeria’s national team.

Andersson, who concluded a seven-year term with the Swedish national team in November 2023, previously declined an offer from Latvia.

His potential hiring would make him the second Swedish coach to helm the Super Eagles, following Lars Lagerbäck, who managed Nigeria during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Another Swedish coach, Thomas Dennerby, also made significant contributions to Nigerian football by leading the Super Falcons to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Andersson’s credentials are impressive.

He led IFK Norrköping to their first Allsvenskan title in 2016, which earned him the role with the Swedish national team.

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Under his leadership, Sweden qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reached the quarter-finals, advancing from Group F ahead of South Korea, Mexico, and defending champions Germany before being eliminated by England.

Despite recent setbacks, including missing the 2022 World Cup and failing to qualify for Euro 2024, Andersson’s extensive experience and proven track record make him a compelling candidate for the Super Eagles role.

With Nigeria set to face Benin Republic and Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Andersson’s appointment could introduce a fresh tactical perspective to the team.