As the Super Eagles gear up for their opening match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, former Nigerian international Kingsley Onye, also known as “Mature,” has called for an urgent appointment of a coach. With only 13 days until the match, Onye criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for not having a coach in place, describing it as a sign of poor planning.
Onye, a former player with notable Nigerian clubs such as Leventis United, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, and Enugu Rangers, suggested that the NFF should seize the opportunity presented by the expiration of Samson Siasia’s ban. He endorsed Siasia as a strong candidate, citing his impressive coaching record, which includes Olympic silver and bronze medals, a notable victory against Argentina with the Super Eagles, and a near-win in the 2005 U-20 World Cup.
Onye also proposed Sylvanus Okpala as Siasia’s assistant, praising Okpala’s contributions to Stephen Keshi’s 2013 AFCON-winning team and his expertise in game strategy. Onye believes this combination could provide both immediate and long-term benefits for the national team.
