Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-17 03:21:37
Samson Siasia has dismissed claims that he applied for the vacant position of Super Eagles Head Coach, citing his ongoing suspension by FIFA as a major hindrance. The former Super Eagles striker emphasized that the timing of the job advertisement was inconvenient for him, as he is currently serving a suspension by FIFA. Siasia expressed that had the opportunity come after August, when his suspension is set to expire, he would have considered entering the race for the coaching position.
“I did not submit an application for the Super Eagles coaching role because I am fully aware that FIFA has not yet lifted the suspension on me. It doesn’t make sense for me to be suspended and simultaneously applying for a job. I am aware that my application would not even be considered,” Siasia stated.
The silver medal-winning coach with Nigeria’s Olympic team at the Beijing Olympics expressed disappointment over his current situation but acknowledged that he could not change it. He extended his best wishes to whoever eventually lands the coaching job.
Siasia, who has previously had two coaching stints with the Super Eagles, criticized the idea of appointing a foreign coach for the national team. He argued that Nigeria has several qualified and capable indigenous coaches, both within the country and in the diaspora, who are more than capable of handling the job effectively. Siasia advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to avoid repeating the mistake of hiring foreign coaches, citing that the team has not significantly progressed under the last two foreign coaches.
“The NFF should carefully evaluate all the applicants for the coaching position and select the candidate with the best track record and ability to manage the team’s foreign-based players. I strongly believe that Nigerian coaches like Finidi George, Emmanuel Amunike, Salisu Yusuf, and others can outperform foreign coaches like Peseiro and Gernot Rohr,” Siasia emphasized.
In conclusion, Samson Siasia clarified that he did not apply for the Super Eagles Head Coach job due to his ongoing suspension by FIFA. He urged the NFF to consider Nigerian coaches for the role, citing their capabilities and potential to excel in managing the national team. Siasia remains hopeful that the NFF will make a wise decision in selecting the next Super Eagles Head Coach.
