Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-02 04:04:51
Former Super Eagles player and member of the gold-winning Tunisia ’94 squad, Edema Fuludu, has expressed his opinion on the debate surrounding the renewal of former coach Jose Peseiro’s contract. In Fuludu’s view, bringing back the Portuguese coach would be detrimental to Nigerian football. He believes that Peseiro has not contributed positively to the development of football in the country and does not deserve a contract renewal.
Fuludu argues that there are Nigerian coaches, both locally and in the diaspora, who are capable of leading the national team at a fraction of Peseiro’s cost. He emphasizes the importance of supporting and empowering homegrown coaches through training, fair compensation, respect, and minimal interference. By investing in local coaching talent, Fuludu believes that Nigeria can improve its footballing prospects and nurture the next generation of football stars.
While some critics point to Peseiro’s rigid tactics and defensive approach as reasons for his potential dismissal, others are concerned about the strained relationships he may have with players. Adegoke Adelabu, a former Green Eagles winger, suggests that the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Committee should assess Peseiro’s coaching abilities in relation to player development within the national team.
Adelabu stresses the importance of aligning coaching standards with the skills and expectations of Nigerian players. He questions whether Peseiro has effectively enhanced the technical abilities and overall performance of the team during his tenure. Adelabu urges a strategic evaluation of the country’s football philosophy and the emphasis on nurturing indigenous coaching talent.
By prioritizing the development of local coaches, Adelabu argues that Nigeria can reduce its reliance on foreign coaching staff and focus on maximizing the potential of homegrown players. He raises important questions about the country’s coaching strategy and objectives, emphasizing the need for a clear direction in football development.
Ultimately, both Fuludu and Adelabu advocate for a shift towards supporting Nigerian coaching talent and fostering a strong footballing culture within the country. They believe that empowering local coaches and investing in player development will lead to sustainable success for Nigerian football in the long term. It is essential for the Technical Committee to carefully evaluate coaching candidates based on their ability to enhance player skills and contribute positively to the national team’s growth.
