Nigerian football legend, Barrister Adokie Amasiamaka has given a heartwarming congratulatory message to immediate past coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George on his appointment to tinker Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt.
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Adokie also thanked Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara for deeming it fit to appoint an indigene who had been downgraded in the national team by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Finidi’s appointment came less than a month after he walked out on the Eagles’ job, when NFF officials indicated moves to get a foreign tactician to boss him.
While many critics felt the NFF’s move was justified, considering three poor results notched by the Eagles in quick succession under Finidi, Amasiamaka opined that the officials were too hasty in their aspersions.
The former left wing marshal and member of the Green Eagles’ winning squad of the 1980 African Cup of Nations in Lagos, argued that the NFF should have given Finidi enough time to settle down, as was the case with Clemens Westerhof, when his side lost 5-1 to hosts Algeria in the opening match of AFCON 1990.
The man fondly called ‘Chief Justice’ declared with sarcasm in his voice, “We have a bunch of charlatans in the so-called Nigeria Football Federation. They have no business disrespecting our Finidi George the way they did.
“I recall in 1990, we had a Dutchman, named Clemens Westerhof, as coach of the national team. Under him, we had almost our worst defeat in the history of football in this country … second only to a loss we suffered against Ghana in the 1950s.
“Under Westerhof, we were thrashed 5-1 by another African country, but he was not sacked. He was given more time to build the team.
“The interesting thing about it is that four years later, he achieved a tremendous feat by qualifying us for the World Cup for the first time and winning the Nations Cup for the second time.
“Even the team that won the Olympics for the first time in 1996, they still allowed him to build it before handing over to his countryman, Jo Bonfrere. But, when it came to our own son, we treated him like a child.”
Adokie concluded by praising Governor Fubara for keeping faith in a son of the state and prayed that God would give Finidi success with The Garden City outfit.
“Your Excellency, I thank you wholeheartedly that you have let the whole world know that we believe in our son.
“So, congratulations, Finidi George, for becoming the head coach of Rivers United. You will be given all you need to ensure you achieve tremendous success and prove what you are capable of doing.
“And, to the young athletes, this is just the beginning,” Adokie projected enthusiastically.
