Two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner Herve Renard has opened up about how close he came to becoming the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.
Renard, known for his successful stints with Ivory Coast, Zambia, and Morocco, revealed that the Nigerian Football Federation had approached him to replace Finidi George as the permanent head coach.
Although Renard seriously considered the offer, he ultimately decided to decline.
Speaking to L’Equipe as per Brilla FM, Renard said, “I almost went to Nigeria. I weighed up the pros and cons for a few days, even a few weeks before refusing it. It is the best offer I have had so far, the rest didn’t suit me.”
Renard, who most recently managed France’s women’s national team, has a decorated career in African football.
He famously led Zambia to their 2012 AFCON triumph and repeated the feat with Ivory Coast in 2015.
He also guided Morocco to the 2018 World Cup and was in charge of Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2023.
With Renard out of the picture, Nigeria’s current caretaker manager, Augustine Eguavoen, is expected to continue overseeing the team for their upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Libya.
Eguavoen has expressed his interest in the role but has made it clear that he seeks a long-term contract if he is to take on the job permanently.
The NFF now faces a crucial decision on who will guide the Super Eagles in their quest for continental glory, with Renard’s rejection raising the stakes even higher.