Former Super Eagles defender George Abbey has categorically stated that the country does not have a local coach who can manage the larger-than-life egos of the national team players.
Playing alongside Jay Jay Okocha, John Utaka, Osaze Odemwingie and a host of others during his short spell with the national team, Abbey was a part of the Nigerian squad that finished third place at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations with only 18 caps to his name for the national team.
According to Abbey, the NFF should look out for foreign managers to take on the role as the next Super Eagles coach.
“There is no local coach who can handle the big egos of the Super Eagles players so that he can earn their respect,” said the fullback, who featured for the Super Eagles between 2003 and 2007.
“It is important that the next coach has the full respect of the players because without that, you cannot guarantee success.”
“And I have looked around for that Nigerian coach who can do this, and I cannot see.”
There were reports of players’ unrest last month when Finidi George took temporary charge of the Super Eagles in friendlies against Ghana and Mali in Morocco.
The debate has continued to rage over whether the NFF should appoint a foreign or local coach to succeed Jose Peseiro, who has moved on after he led the Super Eagles to the final of the recent AFCON.
