Eagles new coach – Wickedness or genius

Everyone is expecting my comment on the recent engagement of a foreign coach for the country’s national football team, the Super Eagles. I am sorry that I am going to disappoint those expecting me to criticise or praise the appointment. I am numb!

Like every other Nigerian, I knew a search was on for a foreign coach for the national team. I assumed the search would be quick, thorough and limited to Europe where most of the best coaches in the world are found. That should be expected considering that Nigerians have lofty ambitions – to play against all the odds and still qualify for the 2026 World Cup; to do better than the last time and win the African Cup of Nations this year in Morocco; and to leave a major mark on the 2026 World Cup as an authentic outside contender.

Those are the goals that would satisfy Nigerian football fans after sacking the last two European coaches, both disasters; after rejecting their own indigenous coaches that could not deliver expected results; and not even considering other qualified Nigerians as an option.

It was clear that the NFF was not inclined to anyone but the best White-skinned coach from Europe as good enough for the Super Eagles. Hence, the long search and long wait.

Meanwhile, tired of singing my hollow minority song of support for any one of several ex-international Nigerian players with good reputation as players, good paper qualifications after retiring, and varied experiences limited only because of the general practice of discrimination against African coaches in Europe, I decided to join the wait for the NFF’s messianic coach from Europe that many of my colleagues insisted must be the only way.

So, whilst waiting for the NFF to do their job and to announce the name of one of