Odegbami urges NFF for local Super Eagles coach

Segun Odegbami, a former international player, emphasized the need for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritize indigenous talent in coaching the Super Eagles. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos State, Odegbami highlighted the importance of finding a skilled local coach to lead the national team, suggesting that Nigeria should rely on its own expertise for success in football.

The departure of Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro, whose contract with the Super Eagles ended recently, leaves an opening for a new coaching direction. Peseiro, who led the Eagles to a commendable second-place finish in the 2023 African Cup of Nations, expressed satisfaction with his coaching tenure in Nigeria. With this vacancy, Odegbami underscores the opportunity for the NFF to select a capable Nigerian coach who can harness the potential of the Super Eagles.

In Odegbami’s view, the insistence on foreign coaches perpetuates a colonial mindset that undermines Nigeria’s ability to excel independently. He advocates for tapping into the pool of Nigerian talent across various fields, emphasizing that football, despite its complexities, can be effectively managed by competent nationals. Odegbami’s call reflects a broader sentiment for self-reliance and confidence in Nigeria’s capability to produce leaders in football and beyond.