Finidi’s Replacement: Former Super Eagles Defender Explains Why Nigeria Needs a Foreign Coach

• The coaching situation of the Nigeria national team continues to draw widespread attention from several stakeholders
• The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently declared their intent to appoint a foreign tactician for the Super Eagles
• An ex-defender of the Nigerian team has explained why the federation’s choice of a foreign coach is right for the team

The Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) decision to focus on appointing a foreign coach for the Super Eagles has sparked mixed reactions across the country's football community.

While many stakeholders have continued to air their displeasure with the decision to part ways with former manager, Finidi George, a few others have voiced their support for the federation’s decision.

One of the latest to endorse the federation's decision is former Super Eagles defender, Abbey George.

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In a recent interview, the former Macclesfield Town player explained why he believes hiring a foreign coach is the best option for the NFF.

George discusses hiring a foreign coach for the Super Eagles

As reported by media outlet, Complete Sports, the 45-year-old explained why he believes a foreign coach is what the Super Eagles need.

The retired defender emphasised that no current indigenous manager possesses the necessary qualities to handle the current crop of Super Eagles players.

“I believe these players need to respect the head coach, especially the foreign-based players,” George said.

“I don’t see any local head coach right now who would command the respect required to lead this team. So I believe it’s the right decision to find a capable Technical Adviser who can steer this team in the right direction, enforce discipline, bring the right philosophy, and hopefully get these players to give their all to the national team.”

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Further highlighting the qualities the NFF should consider in appointing the next coach of the Nigerian team, the retired defender continued:

“A coach who can identify the team's strengths and weaknesses and hopefully select a squad capable of delivering the results we need.”

According to a report from OwnGoalNigeria, the NFF currently has a shortlist of foreign tacticians, including Antonio Conceicao and French coach, Marc Brys.

Roberto Landi speaks on coaching Nigeria

Sports Brief in another report detailed former Liberia coach, Roberto Landi, has expressed interest in the Super Eagles job.

The Italian tactician recently explained it would be a dream for him to coach the Nigerian team.