Dutch coach Jo Bonfrere has exclusively told Completesports.com that the Super Eagles, as a team, are not bad but urgently need better coaching to stand a realistic chance of success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off in Morocco on 21 December 2025.
Bonfrere spoke from his country home in the Netherlands on Saturday, 13 December, questioning the rationale behind Nigeria’s decision to appoint a coach from Mali.
Super Eagles Coaching Choice Questioned by Bonfrere
“I don’t hate Mali. I don’t look down on them as a nation. But football-wise, where is Mali?” Bonfrere queried rhetorically.
“I remember when a Nigerian — the late Stephen Keshi — was coaching Mali. Now Nigeria goes down to hire a coach from Mali.”
Super Eagles: NFF Blamed for Wrong Appointment
According to the former Olympic gold medallist, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must take responsibility for the Eagles’ struggles.
“It’s the fault of the Federation (Nigeria Football Federation, NFF). When you look for a coach, you look for quality and experience.
“That is why the Super Eagles will not go to the World Cup. The Federation caused it by hiring the wrong coach,” Bonfrere stated.
Super Eagles Have Africa’s Best Players — Bonfrere
Bonfrere insisted that the Nigeria possesses elite talent capable of dominating African football if properly managed.
“Look, the Super Eagles are good. They have the best players in Africa and some of the best in Europe, but they need better coaching to win the AFCON,” he submitted.
Eagles’ World Cup Absence ‘Too Painful’
The 79-year-old — who led Nigeria’s U23 side, the Dream Team, to gold at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games — lamented that the NFF’s poor coaching decision cost young Nigerian players the chance to shine on the world’s biggest stage.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: Chelle, Super Eagles Backroom Staff, Uzoho Arrive Egypt
“Now Victor Osimhen will not go to the World Cup. That is too bad. The world always looked forward to seeing Nigeria at the World Cup,” he said.
Super Eagles Must Improve Coaching Ahead of AFCON 2025
With AFCON 2025 fast approaching, Bonfrere stressed that coaching quality will determine Nigeria’s fate.
“Now AFCON is coming, and I say the players need good coaching to stand a chance. The players are good, but the coaching has to be better for the Super Eagles to win,” added the AFCON 2000 silver medallist.
By Sab Osuji
2 Comments
Advice for Nff president and members!
Please Contact bonfrere Jo and westerhof and mandate them to with Holland football federation and with top or low rated scouts in Holland, or in Germany too. They’ll scout and recommend young vibrant coaches like 5 different ones. I lived abroad near them so I know all these manager all attended same school and acquired same football education! There are alot of age grade Coaches who have tournaments experience with Holland or Germany youth teams or at various academies or lower division levels, the coaches must have won a tournament at low level or at various stages or grades, as a criteria for Nigeria. Get 5 and open talks with them. From discussion you sort out salary limit and how motivated are they to coaching Nigeria. Get one without wayo or mago mago, let them select their personal assistant themselves, add our own Nigeria assistant for learning purposes and support. Do that I see success unfold. 2 young Nigeria assistant coach to understudy them every two years. After two year remove them and put another two coaches. If the white goes away or they fail then go through another same procedure process for another coach.. for the changeable niaja coaches? You fill them as coach of u17, u20 and u23. They’ll would have understudied and be good to fly alone! Pls pass these federation tip to Nff president and members!
Bonfrere is full of it. He’s always looking to benefit from where he didn’t sow. I am happy no one is listening to him.
The NFF should give Eric Chelle all the support he needs. I see that guy doing very well with the Super Eagles, though I am not happy about his dropping of Okoye from the Team. Best of luck with the Team.