Austin Eguavoen Should Remain As Super Eagles Coach
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By Bright Robinson.
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It is very
surprising, disappointing, and a clear implication that the so-called NFA is
still blind to simple issues of Nigerian football. It is very disappointing to read
in a Nigerian newspaper that the NFA is calling a list of people recently, for
interview for the Eagles coach, after the disappointing performance at the just
concluded African Cup of Nations. I believe it is high time we learnt from
previous mistakes. Coach Stephen Keshi was relinquished of his job after what
most of us thought was a good performance at the African Cup of Nations then. Keshi's performance was explicit. Austin Eguaveon was called in to take over the
position. As a one time committed Eagles player, and who in many ways has shown
extra-ordinary leadership skills when he was the captain of the National
football team, be left alone to carry on his good work. He took the Eagles to
the qualifying table for the African Cup of Nations; and was later displaced by
bringing in Berti Vorgt to take the team to the Cup of Nations in Ghana.
We must try to learn from our mistakes. One thing we as Nigerians should learn
is that we cannot ever (emphasis explained), win any football competition if we
continue to change coach from time to time. Austin Eguaveon is a versatile
leader. He feels the pulse of many Nigerians who want Eagles to succeed. Berti
Vogt was a joke. The disappointing performance at the African cup of nations
shows his low coaching skills and knowledge. NFA must give every backing to a
Nigerian-selected coach. Stephen Keshi is a very good coach. He was there
before. Though he performed very great; but was not left to solidify the team.
Calling him now is like telling him to start from the bottom again. Austin
Eguaveon and Siasia are very current and know very well where the good players
are. Siasia should be left to continue his work with the under 23.
Austin Eguaveon is strong, determined and courageous to lead the team. He has
been there before. He knows what is required of him. Leaving him and appointing
an assistant will help to work well. Daniel Omokachi can be chosen to assist
Austin Eguaveon. Nigerian football needs to grow. Sentiment and selfish interest
should be destroyed for National interest.
Bright Robinson (UK)
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