Former Chelsea legend and coach Eddie Newton says he is Nigerian and want to manage Eagles

FORMER Chelsea legend and assistant coach Eddie Newton has thrown his hart into the ring saying he would like to manage the Super Eagles as the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) steps up its quest for a new head coach.

Following Nigeria's disastrous World Cup qualification campaign, the NFF has begin the search for a new coach as part of a rebuilding programme. Apparently, the recruitment programme is attracting big names like former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, former PSG and France coach Laurent Blanc and former PSV Eindhoven manager, Phillip Cocu.

NFF chairman Amaju Pinnick is said to also be very keen ion signing Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who he failed to get earlier. However, Eddie Newton, whose last just was coaching Turkish side Trabzonspor, said he would like the job because he has Nigerian roots.

Pointing out that his full name is Edward John Ikem Newton, the former Chelsea man who was also an assistant to Frank Lampard, said his Nigerian roots would make it impossible for him to turn the job down. A member of his management team, said Newton is keen to help rebuild Nigerian football.

Peseiro is said to be the favourite for the job, courtesy of the fact that he had reached a deal with the NFF in the past. Meanwhile, coaching flop Augustine Eguavoen, will retain his job as the technical director for another two years as stipulated on his contract, despite being responsible for Nigeria failing to qualify for the World Cup.