From very strong indications, Nigeria is likely to hire a foreign coach after the Nations Cup. Following the lack lustre performance of the Super Eagles in their opening match at the ongoing South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Sports Minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has tactically settled for the replacement of present coach Stephen Keshi with an expatriate coach.
A board member of the federation who pleaded anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter told LEADERSHIP SPORTS that the minister immediately after the game against Burkina Faso called on egghead of the Nigeria Football Federation to tell them that the country needs a foreign coach. He was said to have hinted that the process should commence immediately after the ongoing Nations Cup.
The source informed that the minister was angered by the outright show of ineptitude and lack of depth by the Nigerian technical crew leading to a surrender of 71 minute lead with less than 30 seconds left to full time. “The minister called immediately after the match and said there is need to get a foreign coach for the Super Eagles immediately the Nations Cup is over. I am sure the NFF Board will be formally told to do this because the minister was bitter with the outcome of the match”, our source said.
Another official said the draw has reawakened the demand for a foreign coach for the national team saying the draw is as a result of the failure of the coaches. “Let me tell that we have to put sentiments aside in deciding who to lead our national team. We need a foreign coach to head the Super Eagles technical crew if we want to achieve good results”, the NFF official said
The NFF president Aminu Maigari and board members had to hold a crucial but desperate meeting on the way forward at their Stayeasy Hotel base in Nelspruit.