Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill extends contract until 2032

[p]The 56-year-old, who returned ‌for a second spell in 2022 having left the team ‌in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has ‌managed a record-breaking 104 games for his side.[/p][p][b]"This is ‌a role that means a great deal to ‌me," [/b]he said.[/p][p][b]"I continue to believe strongly in the potential of this group of players and the direction we ‌are moving in. There is a ⁠lot of work ‌ahead, but I am excited by the future."[/b][/p][p]O'Neill first took ​charge of Northern Ireland in 2011 and oversaw their qualification for Euro 2016 - the ​nation's first major international tournament in 30 years - where they were knocked out in the last 16.[/p][embed guid="4f5b2e10-e717-471e-866f-de2b274f11d8" url="https://x.com/BelTel_Sport/status/2059540721355391448" social-type="twitter" /][p]He ⁠had also been ​appointed interim Blackburn Rovers manager in February, balancing the role alongside his Northern Ireland duties, but it was confirmed earlier this month that he would ‌not take that job on a permanent basis.[/p][p]Northern Ireland also missed out on a place at the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat by Italy in a UEFA play-off semi-final in March, ending their hopes of qualifying for the tournament for the first time since 1986.[/p][p]Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood praised O'Neill's impact and said his contribution ‌has been significant to the team.[/p][p][b]"I am delighted ​that he will continue that work into the ‌future and I look forward to more memorable achievements for the team,"[/b] he said.[/p][p]Northern Ireland face Guinea in a friendly on June 4 before travelling to France as part of preparations ⁠for the UEFA ⁠Nations League, which begins ‌in September.[/p]