Defender who scored winner against Nigeria at World Cup joins Arsenal coaching team

With a statement on the official website, Premier League side Arsenal have announced the appointment of Gabriel Heinze to the coaching staff as men's first team coach.

Heinze, a retired Argentina international, is fondly or perhaps bitterly remembered in these parts for netting the winning goal against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their opening fixture of the 2010 Fifa World Cup held in South Africa.

Five minutes into the encounter, the defender rose unmarked to meet Juan Verón’s corner with a powerful header, sending the ball high into the net despite Chidi Odiah’s attempt to clear off the line.

During his playing days, Heinze also shared the pitch with Nigerian legend Austin Okocha, with the pair featuring together in 28 matches for Paris Saint-Germain during the 2001–2002 season.

Heinze was also a teammate of Nigerian left-back Taye Taiwo at Olympique Marseille around the time of the 2010 World Cup.

The Argentine joins Mikel Arteta's backroom staff at Arsenal, stepping in as a replacement for Carlos Cuesta, who recently departed for Parma.

Arteta, who shares a strong personal bond with Heinze, played alongside him at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2001–02 season.

Heinze returns to the dugout following his departure from Newell's Old Boys in December 2023.

His latest move brings him back to the Premier League, a league he knows very well after representing Manchester United over a three-year spell from 2004 to 2007.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com