Aghahowa Questions NFF's Plan to Hire Renard as Super Eagles Coach Former Nigerian footballer Julius Aghahowa has expressed reservations regarding the Nigerian Football Federation’s NFF decision to consider a foreign coach for the Super Eagles. Aghahowa questioned whether foreign coaches understand Nigerian football culture, which he believes is essential for the national team’s success. The NFF is currently focused on finding a coach who can steer Nigeria towards qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after a disappointing start to their campaign. Among the candidates being considered are Herve Renard, Tom Saintfiet, and former Mali coach Eric Chelle. Renard is viewed as the top contender, boasting an impressive record that includes leading Zambia and Côte d'Ivoire to Africa Cup of Nations victories, as well as guiding Saudi Arabia to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, Aghahowa voiced concerns over the financial implications of hiring Renard, who reportedly demands a salary nearly double that of former Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro. Aghahowa noted that the NFF’s past difficulties in meeting salary obligations could be a significant hurdle in securing Renard’s services. Additionally, Aghahowa emphasized the importance of developing local coaching talent, suggesting that investing in and supporting Nigerian coaches could be more advantageous in the long term. He argued that although local coaches might not command the same salaries as their foreign counterparts, they should be well compensated and given the necessary time to build a strong team. Aghahowa’s remarks contribute to the ongoing debate within the football community about the best approach to enhance Nigerian football on the global stage. Editorial We find ourselves at a crossroads in Nigerian football, as the debate over whether to hire a foreign or local coach for the Super Eagles intensifies.