Former Nigeria Basketball Federation board member Osita Nwachukwu calls for urgent improvement in the Nigerian basketball league, citing lack of investment.

Osita Nwachukwu, a former board member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), has emphasised the urgent need for improvement in the Nigerian basketball league.

For three consecutive years, the NBBF Premier League has been shortened, a move Nwachukwu believes hampers the development of basketball in the country.

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He expressed concern over the lack of major investment in the sport, which he sees as a key obstacle to growth. “There is currently no significant investment in Nigerian basketball, and consequently, there is no return on investment,” Nwachukwu stated.

He further lamented that the state of basketball in Nigeria is virtually non-existent, with current efforts sustained by passion rather than structured support.

Reflecting on his time on the NBBF board, Nwachukwu mentioned that various proposals aimed at revitalising Nigerian basketball were put forward.

He remains optimistic that these initiatives can still be implemented, but stresses that immediate action is required to build a thriving basketball league in the country.

Uchendu Nwabara urges NFF to appoint Eguavoen as permanent Super Eagles coach, citing his success and superior technical skills over former foreign coaches.

Uchendu Nwabara supports making Augustine Eguavoen the permanent Super Eagles coach, citing his success and technical skills.

Uchendu Nwabara, President of Prestige Football Academy, believes Augustine Eguavoen has the expertise to permanently lead Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles.

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He expressed this view in an interview following the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to extend Eguavoen’s interim role.

Nwabara insists that Eguavoen’s achievements with the team make him deserving of a permanent contract. Nwabara pointed out that some of the previous foreign managers lacked the necessary skills to coach the team effectively, resulting in poor performance.

According to Nwabara, the NFF should trust local talent and allow Eguavoen to continue as the head coach, building on his success in recent matches.

The NFF confirmed Eguavoen’s role would continue, as he prepares to lead the Super Eagles in their upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Libya.

Nwabara believes Eguavoen’s permanent appointment will be a significant step towards long-term success for the Super Eagles, urging the federation to support local coaches.

Hervé Renard revealed that he was close to becoming the Super Eagles head coach after receiving a lucrative offer from the NFF.

French coach Hervé Renard has disclosed that he was close to accepting the role of head coach for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

After Finidi George’s exit, Renard was approached by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with a lucrative offer, which he ultimately declined after careful deliberation.

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Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen now leads the team into the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya.

French football tactician Hervé Renard recently revealed that he was on the verge of becoming the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Renard, who has enjoyed successful stints coaching Ivory Coast and Zambia, shared that he was approached by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the unexpected departure of Finidi George in May.

Renard was a top candidate for the position, particularly after negotiations with German coach Bruno Labbadia fell through, leaving Nigeria’s national team without a permanent coach.

Renard confirmed that the NFF made him the most lucrative offer of his career. However, after careful consideration, he declined the opportunity.

Speaking with French outlet *L’Équipe*, Renard explained, “I almost went to Nigeria. I weighed the pros and cons for a few days, even weeks, before eventually turning it down. It was the best offer I’ve had so far, but it didn’t suit me in the end.”

Meanwhile, Augustine Eguavoen, who is currently serving as interim coach, is preparing the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya.

Eguavoen, who has led the team in the past, expressed his interest in a permanent role but outlined key conditions, including a long-term contract, patience, and continuous support from the NFF.

Eguavoen said, “If I were to take the job permanently, I’d need to sit down, reflect, and think deeply because it’s not a small task. I’d need a long-term contract, patience, and clauses in the deal because you don’t win every day.”

Eguavoen also mentioned that his previous coaching stints were too short for him to implement his vision for the team, in contrast to the extended periods given to coaches like Clemens Westerhof and Gernot Rohr.