The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) has seen a wide range of coaches over the years, from seasoned foreign tacticians to local heroes. Recently, some former Super Eagles players have transitioned from the playing field to the technical department, taking on coaching positions in the NPFL.
Here, we’ll look at some legendary former Nigerian internationals who transitioned from football heroes to NPFL managers.
Finidi George
Finidi George, a former Super Eagles winger, is a shining example of success among former NPFL players who have become coaches.
George was named as Enyimba’s head coach in 2021, and the squad underwent a stunning turnaround under his leadership. George guided Enyimba to the NPFL title in June 2023, which was a notable milestone in his managerial career.
His success with Enyimba silenced doubters about his ability to shift from a top player to a good coach. Although his brief tenure as Nigeria’s national team coach did not produce the intended results, his performance in the NPFL demonstrates the ability for former Super Eagles players to flourish as coaches.
Daniel Amokachi
Daniel Amokachi, nicknamed “The Bull” for his power and playing style with the Super Eagles, has also moved into NPFL management. His coaching career, however, has been distinguished by brief stints at clubs. Amokachi began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Nigerian national team.
In 2007, he stood down from his post to explore head coaching opportunities. Amokachi took over as head coach of Ifeanyi Ubah in 2015, although his tenure was brief. He left after just five weeks, leaving many admirers perplexed about the reasons for his abrupt departure. Amokachi’s frequent departures from managerial positions have prompted concerns about his long-term dedication to club management.
Samson Siasia
Samson Siasia is a well-known figure in Nigerian football, both as a player and coach. However, his experience as an NPFL coach has been tough.
In 2010, Siasia got a lucrative contract with Heartland FC, earning N1 million per month. Despite this high-profile deal, his time with Heartland did not go as well as many had planned. Though he led the squad to the CAF Champions League, their performance was disappointing, finishing last in their group.
Siasia went on to coach other NPFL teams, including JUTH FC and Bayelsa United. Unfortunately, both tenure ended in failure, with both clubs relegated under his guidance. Siasia’s NPFL record demonstrates his difficulty to replicate his playing success in his coaching career.
Augustine Eguavoen
Augustine Eguavoen, a former Super Eagles captain, has coached many National Premier League teams. Throughout his stint in the league, he has experienced both success and failure.
Eguavoen’s most famous accomplishment occurred during his time with Enyimba, when he led the team to third place in the NPFL and a Federation Cup victory.
However, Eguavoen has been inconsistent throughout his coaching tenure. He was named as Sharks FC’s head coach in 2012, however his tenure lasted only seven games. The team’s terrible performances landed them at the bottom of the table, prompting his departure. Similar consequences occurred at Gombe United FC and Sunshine Stars, when he was also released owing to dismal results.
