Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant coaching position of the national team, according to Daily Post. Adepoju's declaration comes on the heels of Finidi George's resignation a few weeks ago, leaving the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) searching for a suitable replacement.
While the NFF has indicated its preference for an expatriate coach, Adepoju believes his credentials and experience make him an ideal candidate for the job. Speaking on the Managing Madrid Podcast, the former Real Sociedad midfielder expressed his willingness to take the reins, stating, "I'm open. I once coached Shooting Stars in Nigeria, but I haven't coached since then."
Adepoju's coaching pedigree is impressive, holding a UEFA Pro coaching license, one of the highest coaching certifications in the world. His playing career spanned over a decade, featuring for top-tier clubs like Real Sociedad and Shooting Stars, earning him a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
The former Super Eagles star drew parallels with his time at Castilla, highlighting the potential for hidden gems in Nigerian football. "We had several players in the Castilla team who are brilliant coaches today, and we didn't see it at the time," he reflected.
Adepoju's interest in the coaching job adds a new dimension to the search for a new Super Eagles coach. As the NFF continues its search, Adepoju's candidacy presents a compelling argument for considering local talent. With his wealth of experience and coaching credentials, Adepoju is staking a strong claim to lead the Super Eagles forward. Only time will tell if the NFF will give him the nod to take the reins.