Former Super Eagles player, Abbey George, has raised concerns regarding the prolonged delay in appointing a coach for the Nigerian national football team.
George expressed apprehension that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) may prioritize appointing a coach they can easily control, rather than one with a strong character capable of challenging their decisions and instilling discipline in the team.
George highlighted the qualities needed in a coach for the Super Eagles, emphasizing the importance of discipline and the ability to maximize the potential of the players.
However, he lamented that the NFF may not prioritize these qualities in their selection process.
“The kind of coach we need is a coach who will instill discipline into our team and also get the best out of the players we have at our disposal,” George stated.
“But the problem is that the NFF will never go for that kind of coach who has the authority to deal with these players to get the best out of them.”
George expressed skepticism that the NFF would select a coach with the necessary authority, instead opting for someone they can control.
He referenced the potential candidacy of Hervé Renard, a highly respected coach with an impressive track record, but doubted whether he would be compatible with the NFF’s management style.
“I think they will go for a caliber of coach that they can control and impose assistance like they’ve done previously,” George explained.
“So for me, it’s hard for me to say go for this guy, you know, the guy who’s the coach of the French female team.
Everybody knows his pedigree, his experience with winning the AFCON and everything. He’s the type of character we need in our team, but I don’t think A, we can afford him, and B, we’re not going to allow him to work freely to get the best out of the team.”
George’s comments underscore the importance of selecting a coach who can command respect, enforce discipline, and optimize the talents of the Super Eagles players.
However, his concerns reflect broader issues surrounding the management and governance of Nigerian football.
As the search for a new coach continues, the NFF faces the challenge of balancing various factors to ensure the team’s success on the international stage.
