Coaches Ladan Bosso of Bayelsa United and Fidelis Ilechukwu of Enugu Rangers have clarified that they are not in the running for assistant positions with the Super Eagles, as a new head coach is set to be named soon before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda in September.
Recent reports suggest that Janne Andersson, the former Sweden coach, is the frontrunner for the Nigeria national team coaching role following Finidi George’s resignation. Andersson, aged 61, missed out on qualifying Sweden for the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Euros.
Amidst talks of Andersson’s potential appointment, Bosso and Ilechukwu were rumored to be considered for assistant coaching roles under him.
Bosso, the newly appointed Bayelsa United coach and former Flying Eagles coach, dismissed the speculations.
“It’s all hearsay and misinformation,” Bosso stated. “I haven’t been approached by the relevant authorities. Generally, assistant coaches are not appointed before the head coach. It’s all speculation at this point.”
Ilechukwu, coach of Enugu Rangers, also commented on the rumors.
“I’m unaware of the situation. I saw the reports just like you did,” Ilechukwu remarked. “I am open to contributing to the national team if called upon, but my current focus is on Enugu Rangers, the CAF Champions League, and the NPFL.”
While Bosso has experience with the Flying Eagles and Ilechukwu has served as an assistant with the national U-23 team, their primary focus remains on their current club responsibilities.