Exclusive: Ex-Manchester United and Fulham Coach Jon Hill Interested In Super Eagles Role

Former Manchester United and Fulham coach Jonathan Hill has thrown his hat into the race for the vacant Nigeria national team job.

With reports rife in the local medias that the Super Eagles technical director Augustine Eguavoen and the NFF will turn their attentions back at finding a head coach for the team after sealing a ticket for next year's AFCON, the Super Eagles managerial role is likely to be one of the most talked about positions.

Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com, Jonathan, who recently left his role of assistant manager at Rotherham, expressed his readiness to take up the job, having confirmed he had sent his resume to the NFF.

Moreso, he talked about what he plans to achieve with the Super Eagles if he eventually lands the role of the head coach, the need for young talents, the NPFL and his ability to adapt to weather conditions, something he's learnt from his career travels.

"This is a role I very much fancy because of it's demanding nature, and it's likelihood to push one to do the best job", Jon spoke in a light-hearted mood to SportsBoom.com.

"Great, untapped talent pool. Cultural and sporting experience which I enjoy and know I do well with."

"And the profile it gives, you know. It's a hotly contested role but I have a very strong resume you could wonder why I'm not working at present. It's a mystery", he added with a smile.

Quizzed on if he can land the Super Eagles the qualification for the World Cup after seeing the technical adviser and his coaching team land get over the line in their AFCON 2025 bid, he said.

"I think you have to applaud the work that's being done already by Austine and his crew, and I think qualification for the World Cup also is something that could be achieved as well."

The Need For Young Talents

For over ten years during his early career days, Jonathan was in charge of the youth ranks at Premier League club Manchester United while he also had a stint with town rivals Manchester City in the same capacity in the 2011/12 season.

Thus, the English tactician laid emphasis on utilizing young players and the flexibility required to get the right players for the national team.

"I've always known Nigerian players to be very athletic, technical and talented, full of running and all that so this should excite any one coming in to manage them," he said. "I think it needs to be evident about young talents coming through and breaking into the team.

"Just because there are so much established player doesn't mean there shouldn't be the need to be on the lookout for some extra talents that fit into the philosophy and idea of the manager.

"Obviously, there will be some kind of revamp, but the core of what has made the team what they really are need to be maintained."

The NPFL In View

"It’s a good league with good players. Maybe, do teams always win on merit? I don't know. But I've started taking interest in the league and the level of football played there and it has some pace."

"So it's a good one. I'm sure there are players who would crack it with the national teams from there if they get a chance."

Adapting To Weather Conditions

There could be every likelihood that the NFF will only be considering a head coach who would be domiciled in Nigeria, attend league games and source for talents in and around the country.

Jonathan remained positive in his ability to thrive in the African country, the weather change notwithstanding.

"Not a problem at all. I have no problem with humidity. I like the heat", he said when asked whether he'd ever thought about living and working in Africa.

"I have lived in 55 Celsius and -22 Celsius. I’ve lived in Jordan and Scandinavia. My parents lived in Bangalore India. So why not? Provided it's habitable, I'm fine with that and my wife is also fine with that."

His Motivation

"Maybe my arrival would bring in some diversity, some kind of change. It will bring a different media attention, but the bottom line is that I'm more than motivated to work with Augustine and the guys.

"Getting back in with Nigeria will be a nice one, and hopefully we will get to talk soon and discuss things."