Super Eagles: Illechukwu, Bosso refute coaching job rumor

In recent developments regarding the Super Eagles coaching staff, Bayelsa United’s Ladan Bosso and Enugu Rangers’ Fidelis Ilechukwu have clarified their positions amid swirling rumors about their potential roles with the national team.

As reported by News360 Nigeria both Bosso and Ilechukwu have officially distanced themselves from speculation linking them to assistant coach positions under the incoming Super Eagles head coach.

The Nigeria Football Federation is set to announce a new coach in the coming days, in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures against Benin Republic and Rwanda in September.

Former Sweden coach Janne Andersson, who led Sweden in the 2018 World Cup and the 2024 Euros without qualifying, is reportedly the leading candidate for the Super Eagles role following Finidi George’s resignation in June.

Despite Andersson’s potential appointment, Bosso and Ilechukwu, who were briefly mentioned as possible assistants, have dismissed the rumors.

Bosso, newly appointed at Bayelsa United and with previous experience as the Flying Eagles coach, has particularly refuted the claims linking him to the national team setup.

As the search for the new head coach continues, football fans and analysts await the official announcement and further clarifications on the Super Eagles’ coaching staff.

“As far as I am concerned, all these are fabricated and propaganda by people,” Bosso told News360 Nigeria.

“If there is anything like that, I am sure I would be called by the policymakers. Nobody in the NFF has called me and I have never seen where assistant coaches are appointed before the head coach. It’s rumour as far as I am concerned.”

“I don’t know. I saw it the saw you saw it as well,” Ilechukwu also told  News360 Nigeria.

“I never can tell what is going on. I am a coach and I am open to the national team job to contribute positively. If they call me, I will be there but right now my focus is on Enugu Rangers, the CAF Champions League and the NPFL.”

While Bosso had worked with the Flying Eagles until recently, Ilechukwu is also not new to national team jobs having been named as an assistant to Salisu Yusuf in the national U-23 team in 2022.

He joined Enugu Rangers from Plateau United last season and guided the Flying Antelopes to their eighth league title and first since 2016.