The Nigeria Cricket Federation is moving closer to appointing a new high-performance manager for the male senior national team, the Yellow Greens, and other national teams, following the shortlisting of applicants for the role previously handled by former Kenya international Steve Tikolo, The PUNCH reports.
The search for Tikolo’s replacement began on February 2, just a week after his departure.
According to an advertisement published on the federation’s official Facebook page, interested candidates were required to possess at least a Level 3 coaching qualification, along with between eight and 10 years of coaching experience.
One month later, the federation is set to invite qualified candidates for interviews, according to the General Manager, Emeka Igwilo.
“People have applied and have been shortlisted, so the committee assigned is working on it. As soon as they are done, they will begin the process of conducting interviews for the final shortlisted candidates,” Igwilo told The PUNCH.
Former coach Tikolo was the third foreigner to lead the Nigeria national team, following South Africa’s Sean Phillips (2011–2012) and Sri Lanka’s Asanka Gurusinha (2020–2022). It remains to be seen whether a Nigerian will step into the role this time.
“Those who fulfilled the criteria applied. We have Nigerians and foreigners, but the selection will be based on experience and qualification. We have a standard, and we can’t go below that. It is up to the committee to recommend based on the pedigree of those who have applied.
“Remember, we are talking about a national team, so all eyes will be on the successful applicant as well,” he added.
The federation also listed additional requirements, including exposure to high-performance or international cricket environments, demonstrated success in elite player development and structured performance pathway systems, and a strong understanding of modern cricket methodologies, performance analytics, sports science, and conditioning.
Experience working within associate or emerging cricket nations, as well as with countries holding ODI member status, was listed as an added advantage.
