Lagos – Belgium tactician Tom Saintfiet is the front runner to replace head coach Jose Peseiro as the Nigerian team faces doubts over his future, according to Nigerian online sports website owngoalnigeria.com.

Seven years ago, Saintfiet claimed he was chosen by the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), but the then president, Amaju Pinnick, turned down his recommendation and chose Paul Le Guen instead. The Nigerian Technical Committee at that time had Austin Okocha, Garba Lawal, and Christopher Green.

The Scorpions coach is in the running for the CAF coach of the year award and has been sounded out by Nigeria’s Federation president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who has given his seal of approval to Saintfiet, who will cost a lot less than Peseiro’s current $60,000 salary.

There is, however, no indication that Tom Saintfiet is leaving the Scorpions, as the Belgian tactician is already preparing his Gambian boys next challenge, the Cote d’Ivoire Afcon tournament in January.