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By Abiodun Adewale
U.S. men’s U-19 national team coach of Nigerian descent, Michael Nsien, has made a bold claim for the vacant Super Eagles coaching job, as the Nigeria Football Federation continues its search for Jose Peseiro’s successor, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The NFF advertised the country’s senior men’s national team coaching job last Friday, two weeks after Portuguese coach Peseiro left the job on the expiration of his contract.
Nsien is one of the frontrunners to take over the Super Eagles job with ex-internationals Emmanuel Amuneke and George Finidi as well as other candidates being mooted.
The 43-year-old is however confident that he has the best credentials to lead the team.
“I am the best of both worlds. As a Nigerian-American, I have a passion for the Super Eagles, I also know the responsibilities that come with that position as head coach. I have experience working in an environment that spares no expense in technology, has top scouting infrastructure, and coaching collaboration from top to bottom.
Despite living abroad, Nsien, who hails from Eket in Akwa Ibom State also believes that he has an understanding of Nigerian football.
“I know where we are at in Nigerian football and I know the gap that exists. I can bridge the gap and help us reach the level that we should be at in world football. It’s time to change course and move forward. I want to put smiles on the faces of our people.”
Nsien was first named head coach of the United States U-16 men’s national team in 2022 after his breakout from Tulsa Roughnecks where he served as an assistant before becoming the head coach in December 2018.
His active football was as a left fullback at the University of Dayton between 1999 and 2003, scoring nine goals in 73 appearances.