Amodu Needs Keshi, Siasia For Comfort –Amiesimaka

Former Green Eagles winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka says for Super Eagles coach, Shuaibu Amodu to get credit from Nigerians, he will need the assistance of Stephen Keshi and Samson Siasia to help him drop his conservative style.

Amodu’s team have come under fierce criticism for playing stifling football and Amiesimaka, who won the 1980 African Nations Cup, says he will need help from two of his former charges.

“Even though credit should go to Amodu for winning us the coveted ticket, South Africa 2010 is not an opportunity for Amodu alone, but also for other promising Nigerian coaches as well,” Amiesimaka said.

“And Amodu can benefit from the likes of Keshi and Siasia.”

Amiesimaka pointed out that Amodu’s problems with Nigerians stem from his conservative tactics

“Nigerians want free-flowing, attacking football. Like eagles, we want to be seen as predators, flying purposefully on our powerful wings and descending relentlessly on our prey.

“Conservative, defensive tactics, anchored on extreme caution do not hold any attraction for us. And we do not want to be told that there may be a constraint in the calibre of players available to the coach.

“A coach that believes in being safe rather than sorry may not be popular with Nigerian fans. That is part of Amodu’s problem with Nigerian fans.

“The way many fans feel is, if this perception of Amodu does not change, even if he wins the World Cup, they will still not give him due credit.”

Amiesimaka went on to suggest that Keshi and Siasia could help Amodu solve the problem, “If Amodu is not to become a ‘coach Cassandra, winning but not appreciated, methinks he will need the support of Keshi and Siasia, but as assistants only. They can bring their different perspectives to the table, but Amodu as the manager has the final say.

“These two coaches are exponents of the kind of football that Nigerians cherish and they will take no nonsense from any player.”