In the wake of the departure of Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, American-born coach Michael Nsien has emerged as a strong contender for the prestigious role.
Despite Peseiro’s commendable performance, leading the Nigerian national football team to a second-place finish at the recent African Cup of Nations, the Portuguese coach and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) did not reach an agreement on extending his contract.
Peseiro resigned from his position in a post on his X account earlier today.
Amid this situation, Nsien has gained attention as a potential replacement for the Super Eagles coaching role.
Nsien, a 43-year-old elite coach, is considered a revolutionary figure in American soccer.
Currently serving as the U-19 national team coach, Nsien has garnered acclaim for his coaching prowess and transformative impact on the game in the United States.
Holding a US Soccer Pro License (the first African-American to earn it in 2020) and a UEFA ‘A’ License, Nsien’s coaching journey includes stints with FC Tulsa, where he ascended from the youth ranks to become the head coach.
As a former footballer, Nsien had a notable career, playing as a defender and making stops at the University of Dayton, LA Galaxy, Portland Timbers, and Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab.
Despite not amassing a trove of trophies during his playing days, Nsien has proven himself as a coach capable of handling top-class professionals.
Nsien, whose father hails from Eket in Akwa Ibom state, expressed his coaching principles, stating, “I have a disciplined yet fluid model for the style of play that would suit the qualities of the player.”
