Present NFF Does Not Believe In Nigerian Coaches, Says Christian Chukwu

Ex-Coach of the Super Eagles, Mr Christian Chukwu. Credit: NFF

 

Super Eagles legend, Christian Chukwu, believes the present leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) does not value indigenous coaches.

Chukwu said this on Sunday, hours after the Super Eagles, led by a former international, Austine Eguavoen – appointed on an interim basis to replace long-time coach, Gernot Rohr – booked their spot at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16.

“I can assure that the present Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) does not believe in Nigerian coaches,” the former player fondly called “The Chairman,” told Channels Television’s Sunday Sports.

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‘Our Game Has Changed’

Super Eagles Of Nigeria
(Top L-R) Nigeria’s goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, forward Taiwo Awoniyi, defender Kenneth Omeruo, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, midfielder Joe Aribo, defender William Troost-Ekong, (bottom L-R) forward Kelechi Iheanacho, defender Ola Aina, defender Zaidu Sanusi, forward Moses Simon and forward Samuel Chukwueze pose prior to the Group D Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Nigeria and Egypt at Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua on January 11, 2022. Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP

 

Chukwu joins fans and pundits who maintain that the Super Eagles need a local handler, citing the fact that all World Cup-winning teams were handled by their nationals.

Using Eguavoen as a reference point, the 1980 AFCON winner praised the former defender for turning around the Super Eagles fortunes with their display so far in Cameroon.

“I am happy with what Eguavoen is doing now. Within a short period, Eguaveon was given the job, you can see how he has turned the team around. Nigerian coaches can perform even better than foreign coaches but our federation doesn’t have respect for the Nigerian coaches,” he noted.

Eguavoen is a former Nigerian defender.

 

He said the team is now playing as “Nigerian Eagles” and sees the side going all the way to winning the competition.

“Based on what I have seen, I give thanks to Eguavoen. He has turned around the team. We are now playing as Nigerian Super Eagles. And if they continue this way, we are to win the cup at the end of the day,” Chukwu, a former coach of the team, added.

“You can see attacking force in the team, unlike when Rohr was there. Our game has changed completely and if they continue like this, I can assure you we will get to the final and, if possible, lift the cup.”

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