Ex-Super Eagles coaching contender steers USA to final of prestigious continental showdown

Nigerian-American coach, Michael Nsien, has propelled the U-19 men’s national team of the USA to the final of the ongoing CONCACAF U-20 Championship, Soccernet.ng reports.

At the Estadio León in Mexico, Nsien’s squad secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Panama, marking their fourth consecutive appearance in the final.

The match reached its zenith with just four minutes left in regulation time, when midfielder Brooklyn Raines capitalised on a failed clearance, launching a spectacular 30-yard strike that sealed the decisive goal.

FT | A thrilling second half and the #U20MYNT is going to the U-20 @Concacaf Championship match! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/tZc6sLcsNZ

— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) August 2, 2024

Earlier in the tournament, Nsien’s team had defeated Guatemala, securing a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Chile, Italy, New Caledonia, and New Zealand.

Congrats to players and staff for World Cup qualification! pic.twitter.com/nyKgLOFIjA

— Michael Nsien (@michaelnsien) July 31, 2024

It’s worth recalling that the 43-year-old Nsien was a strong contender for the Super Eagles coaching role, a position eventually filled by Finidi George.

The Oklahoma-born coach, speaking to Punch, expressed confidence in his qualifications to lead the Super Eagles.

“I am the best of both worlds,” Nsien stated. “As a Nigerian-American, I have a passion for the Super Eagles and understand the responsibilities of the head coach role. I have experience in an environment rich in technology, scouting infrastructure, and coaching collaboration. I know the current state of Nigerian football and the gap that needs to be bridged. I can help us reach the level we should be at in world football. It’s time to change course and move forward. I want to put smiles on the faces of our people.”

Despite his enthusiasm, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) offered Nsien a role as an assistant to the newly appointed head coach, Finidi George, following a contractual disagreement.

Soccernet.ng reported that a source close to Nsien described the NFF’s offer as “insulting,” noting that Nsien is not in urgent need of employment, given his two-year contract with the US team.

Currently, the coaching positions for both the Nigeria U-20 national team and the Super Eagles are vacant. There has been no indication from Nsien about his interest in either role.