The search for a new coach for the senior national team of Nigeria appears to have come to an end according to the print edition of Nigerian newspaper Guardian, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nigeria have been without a substantive coach since the exit of Finidi George three months ago. A deal for German coach Bruno Labbadia broke down over dispute on the payment of his taxes.
The technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Austine Eguavoen handled the team in interim capacity during the last round of international games, leading the team to a 2-0 win over Benin Republic and a 0-0 draw away to Rwanda in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
According to David Meshioye who wrote the story, Schäfer is expected in Nigeria later this month for an unveiling ceremony. Talks over his backroom staff is said to be progressing nicely and his arrival will see Eguavoen return to his role as technical director.
His last job was as the head coach of Qatar side Al-Khor in 2021, when they were in a difficult situation. Results and performance improved relatively, the team remained in the league after win 3–1 in the play-off match against Al-Shahania. He left his role on the 11th of November 2021, after his contract was terminated.
In Africa he is famously known for guiding Cameroon to the AFCON title in 2002, when they defended their crown with a 3-2 penalty shoot out win over Senegal after both teams have stayed locked at 0-0 in regulation and extra time.
