Jose Mourinho linked with Nigeria job as Portuguese tactician declares interest in coaching return

Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho has been linked with the vacant Super Eagles of Nigeria coaching job.

The former Chelsea manager who left Italian side AS Roma in January has declared interest in a managerial return.

Nigeria have been without a coach since Jose Peseiro's contract with the country's Football Federation expired at the end of February.

Finidi George has been appointed to step in as the Super Eagles explore the FIFA free window to engage Ghana and Mali in international friendly matches.

Having won the tie against arch-rivals Black Stars, fans are impressed with the ex-international and urged the NFF to hand him the job permanently.

However, Jose Mourinho, who is available in the market says he wants to return to coaching as soon as possible, beIN Sports reports.

Jose Mourinho on the Premier League: “One victory you are top of the league, one defeat you go to mid-table, two defeats you are almost in the relegation zone. The Premier League is beautiful and difficult. I don't have a club, I'm free. But I want to work in the summer, I want… pic.twitter.com/Mw1XAExFqn

— Bolarinwa Olajide (@iambolar) March 24, 2024

There had been a debate in Nigeria over who should be employed; while some believe an indigenous coach should be handed the job, others are calling for a foreign manager.

An X user, Gabriel Samson Hyendu says he prefers the 'Special One' for the plum job. He wrote:

"#SuperEagles need a foreign and a well Champions League experienced coach rather than an indigenous coach. Preferably, Jose Mourinho, because he knows African players better. With him, I see Nigeria at the top of African football and beyond."

#SuperEagles need a foreign and a well Champions League experienced coach than an indigenous coach. Preferably, José Mourinho, because he knows African players better. With him, I see Nigeria at the top of African football and beyond.

Super Eagles in my mind. #OneLove ???? - GSH pic.twitter.com/0AI4YBDnV7

— Gabriel Samson Hyendu (@hyendugrandson) March 24, 2024