NFF debunks Renard’s Eagles rumours

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has dismissed reports (not The PUNCH and PUNCH Sports Extra) that France women’s national team coach, Hervé Renard, is being considered for the Super Eagles job by the federation.

The Eagles have been without a head coach since Finidi George resigned in June.

Finidi quit his role as head coach of the three times African champions following the NFF announcement that they would appoint a foreign technical adviser for the team.

The decision came after an outcry by the football-loving populace following the team’s poor performances, including a shock defeat to Benin Republic, in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last month.

Renard is currently the head coach of France women’s national team but he recently made clear his intention to vacate the position after the Paris Olympic Games next month.

His decision to quit the French team sparked rumours linking him with the vacant Eagles job with many suggesting that the football body had contacted the two-time AFCON-winning coach for the job with only his salary the stumbling block.

Reacting to the rumours in a chat with The PUNCH, Gusau said there were no such talks between the federation and the Frenchman.

“I am not aware of that for now,” he said.

On the claim that the NFF would have to break the bank to pay the French coach a hefty demand of $180,000 monthly salary, the NFF boss added, “Did you see it from any NFF communication channel? It is from some of those that are always trying to create confusion.”

Renard previously managed the Zambian national team, with whom he won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations; he also won the competition in 2015 with the Ivory Coast, becoming the first coach to win two Africa Cup of Nations with different teams.

In addition, he coached Morocco at the 2018 World Cup.

United States and a couple of Saudi Arabian clubs are also said to be in negotiations with the 55-year-old experienced coach.

Renard is one of the managers who have been tipped to take charge of the United States men’s national team following the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter, who led the USMNT to an early exit at the 2024 Copa America.