English FA Cup Winner Sends Message to NFF Amid Interest in Super Eagles Coaching Job
- John Utaka, who had a remarkable playing career with the Super Eagles, is interested in coaching the present squad
- Franco-Malian tactician Eric Chelle has a two-year contract with the NFF and has been tasked with securing the World Cup ticket
- Utaka believes he has what it takes to take the team to greater heights if he's handed an opportunity
Former Nigerian international John Utaka has expressed interest in the Super Eagles coaching job, hoping to leverage his illustrious playing career.
He won the French Ligue 1 with Montpellier, the English FA Cup with Portsmouth, and the Arab Cup with Al Sadd during his active days as a player.
Born in Enugu, Utaka began his professional journey with Enugu Rangers before moving to Egypt, where he became a cult hero at Ismaily after scoring 30 goals in 42 games.
Source: Getty Images
He was first called up to the Nigerian national team in 2001 and made his debut against Namibia, followed by his inclusion in the 2002 FIFA World Cup squad.
Utaka had an impressive outing at the 2004 AFCON, scoring twice and assisting once, helping the Super Eagles to claim bronze.
He also had stints with some clubs, including Montpellier, Portsmouth, and Al Sadd, all of which have bolstered his credentials as he transitions to coaching.
The 43-year-old was recently appointed to take charge of ASPTT Montpellier women's team.
Utaka was temporarily appointed to take charge of the club's women’s team in 2021, and that resulted in a solid sixth-place finish, showcasing his readiness for the permanent role.
Now he has been officially appointed, as he brings a blend of tactical acumen and a player-centric approach.
His reign will be shaped by his diverse playing career, having had stints in Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey
Utaka has now indicated interest in managing the Super Eagles of Nigeria, declaring interest during a chat with Brila FM. He said:
"If the NFF call me, I'll be glad to come. The job is to coach the players to maximum potential."
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s coaching landscape has been turbulent since Finidi George’s brief stint with the team in 2024, Soccernet reports.
The former Enyimba of Aba head coach faced immediate challenges following a 1-1 draw against South Africa and a 2-1 loss to Benin in World Cup qualifiers.
Fans heavily criticised his tactics and player selections, and reports also had it that NFF officials interfered with his squad choices.
Technical director Augustine Eguavoen stepped in as interim coach, a role he had filled multiple times (2005–07, 2010, and 2022).
However, after inconsistent results, Franco-Malian tactician Eric Chelle was appointed as the permanent head coach.
Source: Getty Images
The tactician signed a two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), though specific financial details remain undisclosed.
Sunday Oliseh kicks against Chelle
Legit.ng reported that ex-international Sunday Oliseh kicked against Eric Chelle after the Malian was appointed as the head coach.
The Super Eagles legend claimed that no other African nation would hire Nigerians as a coach, hence it is a slap on our indigenous coaches for Chelle to be appointed.
Source: Legit.ng
