Former Super Eagles coach, Adeboye Onigbinde has expressed confidence in the ability of indigenous coaches in the country to deliver for the senior national team if given free hands to operate.
Several coaches in Nigeria and abroad have applied for the vacant post of the Super Eagles head coach since the position was advertised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the expiration of the contract of former manager, Jose Peseiro.
Indigenous coaches such as Emmanuel Amuneke, Sylvanus Okpala, Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, and Salisu Yusuf have indicated interest in the job.
However, Chief Onigbinde who took Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Nations Cup, where the team lost 3-1 to Cameroon, says some better indigenous coaches can make a positive impact with the Super Eagles if given the freedom.
“I appreciate the last statement of giving free hands because that’s the best for the Indigenous coaches for them to succeed. Am I not a Nigerian? Am I the best Nigerian coach? Which means there may be some other people who may be better than I am.
“But then, the people in Authority know what they want and some Nigerians know why they want what they want.
“Don’t forget that in 1984 I took the Super Eagles to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, even though the team lost in the final to Cameroon. But then, somebody was sent from Lagos to buy the final match. The rest they say is history.”
