Sports
NFF Wants Overhaul Of Eaglets’ Crew
The Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has recommended a total review of the technical crew of the Golden Eaglets, the Federation said in Abuja last week.
The Federation’s Chief Media Officer, Mr Ademola Olajire, told newsmen that the recommendation was part of the committee’s decisions at its most recent meeting.
The committee, headed by NFF Executive Committee member, Mr Chris Green, had met at the Federation’s Glass House Secretariat in Abuja early last week, to deliberate on some issues.
“The committee thinks a total review of the Eaglets’ technical crew is necessary, given the fact that the team failed to qualify for the next edition of the African Junior Championship.”
“It decided on this move, in line with the Federation’s determination to avoid any age-cheating controversy and the fact that the team should be the bedrock of our football development,” Olajire said.
It will be recalled that the Eaglets’ coaching crew was headed by Monday Odigie, who had assisted John Obuh in the Eaglets’ team that finished second at the 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup held in Nigeria.
He said the committee, in line with NFF’s determination on grassroots football development, also decided to propose guidelines for the establishment of football academies in the country.
“This has been on ground some time, and in fact there is a proposal before the NFF Technical Department on this.”
“The committee is now going to fast-track action on this and very soon it will come up with the guidelines,” the NFF spokesman said.
Olajire, who pointed out that all the committee’s decisions were recommendations to the NFF Executive Committee, said the committee also discussed the restructuring of the Federation’s Technical Department.
“The Committee proposed to restructure the Federation’s Technical Department in line with international standards and according to the yearnings of Nigerians.”
“In addition to this, it is proposing training programmes for all Nigerian football coaches in order to update them on the game’s modern techniques and tactics.”
“To add to that and ensure home-grown football talents are adequately harnessed, the committee is considering using technical assessors for all league matches played in the country,’’ he said.
On the issue of the new Super Eagles head coach’s programme, Olajire said the committee approved the programme submitted by Samson Siasia in the short term.
“A part of this programme saw Siasia departing for Europe at the weekend to meet with a number of Nigerian international players who are abroad.”
“He will discuss with them, outline his programme to them and they will discuss on how to work together,’’ he said.
The NFF spokesman, however, said the committee was still holding consultations with Siasia on the issue of the Eagles’ backroom staff and would make its decision known very soon.
He disclosed further that the Technical Committee also approved the recommendation of the appointment of Augustine Eguavoen, as Head Coach of the national Under-23 men’s team.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
-
Sports3 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports3 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports3 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports3 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Sports3 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Sports3 days agoPolice Games: LOC inspects facilities in Asaba
-
Editorial3 days agoBeyond Accessing Bonny By Road