France name Renard’s successor amid Eagles link

Herve Renard’s successor as head coach of the France women’s team has been revealed, meaning the 55-year-old could now take his fifth job in Africa, having been linked with the Super Eagles job.

The French Football Federation on Friday revealed that Renard’s successor would be Laurent Bonadei, a man he knows well as he has been his assistant since 2019. Bonadei worked alongside Renard for his four-year stint in charge of the Saudi Arabia men’s team and then followed him to France last year. Bonadei has signed a contract through to the end of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the possibility of an extension.

“I’d like to thank the Federation for the trust it has placed in me. I’m proud and honoured,” Bonadei said. “Leading the national team is a great responsibility that I take seriously and with commitment. I’m following in the footsteps of Herve Renard, with whom I’ve worked closely over the past 17 months with the French women’s team.”

Rumours suggest that the Frenchman could well be on his way back to Africa for his next job, following previous spells in charge of Zambia, Angola, the Ivory Coast and Morocco.

Reports have linked him heavily to the vacant Nigeria post, which former Sweden boss Janne Andersson has also confirmed he is in the running for.

In January, the Ivory Coast attempted to temporarily hire Renard for the Africa Cup of Nations, an approach that was turned down by the FFF. There were then reports the following month that Egypt wanted to hire the 55-year-old, but Hossam Hassan would eventually get the job.