Former striker of the senior national team of Nigeria Osaze Odemwingie has backed a former player of the same team Abbey George in going against the calls for an indigenous coach to be handed the role of the coach of the team, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
The role of the head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria is vacant following the exit of Jose Peseiro upon the expiration of his contract in February, a few weeks later leading the team to a second place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
His replacement is expected to be announced this week by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who have carefully studied and screened all candidates who applied for the job, which a section of the media believe should be given to an indigenous coach.
Abbey who played for Nigeria at the 1992 AFCON kicked against the idea saying it will be hard for an indigenous coach to manage the ego of the present players in the team.
“There is no local coach who can handle the big egos of the Super Eagles players so that he can earn their respect. It is important that the next coach has the full respect of the players because without that, you cannot guarantee success.” he was quoted as saying in an interview.
Odemwingie backed his stand with a comment under a post of the comment on Instagram ” You are right my legend. They are also football agents looking for an avenue to push their players and interest”, he said.
It is not the first time that the now retired striker who represented Nigeria at four editions of AFCON and two FIFA world cup has accused indigenous coaches of using the team to trade players.
“Some picked a weaker player over a stronger one who played in a better club because they wanted to market their player,”Osaze told the Super Eagles media team in an interview via Instagram Live in 2020.
“Some of our coaches did get involved in a bit of player management, they had management companies. Shuaibu Amodu for instance had a management company.
“He was in and out as a coach and an agent, but he was a great man. I used to talk with him whenever I could about it. I loved Amodu”, he stated.
