NFF squash rumours of hiring Harry Redknapp as head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have been quick to squash speculation that Harry Redknapp was in contention to coach the Nigerian men’s football team.

“The news is all a hoax ….. even if Nigeria ever thought of having a new coach, it would definitely not have been Redknapp,” said the NFF in a statement.

The NFF went on to emphasize their lack of interest in the former Tottenham and West Ham United coach, with a pointed jab.

“Hiring him would mean returning the Super Eagles to the 1980s.”

Redknapp, 73, himself issued a sarcastic response when asked if there was any truth to him being linked to the Nigerian job.

“Yeah, well I spoke to [my wife] Sandra and she’s always wanted to live in Nigeria. She said it’s amazing that this has come up now because that was her dream. So we’re looking to sell up, we’re putting the house on the market. I’ve told her, she’d absolutely love it. I’m ready to go!”

The NFF have since extended the contract of current coach Gernot Rohr by two years until after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The decision was announced by the NFF president Amaju Pinnick, who confirmed both parties “have concluded all contractual discussions”.

Pinnick said the priorities for the coach include qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as well as the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) to be held in Cameroon.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo