The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Egyptian Football Association are engaged in a bidding war to secure the services of experienced French coach Herve Renard.
According to Bold Sports as per French journalist and football transfer expert, Santi Aouna and FootMercato, both the NFF and the Egyptian FA have made official bids to sign Renard, who is currently the coach of France’s women’s national team. The bids are reportedly in the region of €2 million per year.
“Egypt and Nigeria made official offers to Hervé Renard. The Pharaohs offer €1.9m net per year. The Super Eagles offer € 2m net. Other African selections are on the lookout,” Santi Aouna wrote on X.
Renard has a proven track record on the African continent, leading Zambia to their first-ever AFCON title in 2012 and the Ivory Coast to their first title in 2015. He has also been named African Coach of the Year three times (2012, 2015, and 2018).
Nigeria is seeking a new coach after the resignation of Finidi George, who left the position after just two games in charge due to poor performance. The Super Eagles are looking for a proven coach to help them qualify for the 2026 World Cup and win an AFCON title which has eluded the nation in over a decade.
Egypt on the other hand needs a new coach after parting ways with Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria after the AFCON due to his inability to take the Pharaohs past the round of 16. Ex-international Hossam Hassan currently manages the Egyptian national team.
Renard will be available for discussions from August after the Olympics, where he will be leading the French women’s team. Algeria had previously approached him, but the timing was not suitable. Another African country has also shown interest but has yet to make an offer.
The NFF and the Egyptian FA will have to convince Renard to join their respective teams. With his impressive record and experience, Renard is a highly sought-after coach on the African continent.
