Fans Demand Fairness Over Eagles Coach Selection

The Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been urged to ensure fairness in the appointment of a new Super Eagles’ Coach.

The committee headed by the chairman of Rivers State Football Association, Christopher Green had shortlisted Samson Siasia and former Togo coach, Stephen Keshi for the job.

Both ex-internationals were expected to be interviewed this week and the successful candidate would be unveiled on November 8.

However, one of the candidates, Siasia had raised an alarm on plan by the committee to turn  the interviews in favour of his rival.

Siasia alleged that the Green-led committee wants to make him an assistant to Keshi without giving him an opportunity to be properly interviewed.

Reacting, a cross-section  of football fans  in Port Harcourt in an interview with Tidesports called on the authorities to ensure that the issue was handled with caution.

According to Natrebo Iganibo, Managing Director of Sports Café, a popular viewing centre in the city, the coach with the best curriculum vitae should be employed.

Iganibo who tipped Siasia as the next Eagles’ coach said the Heartland coach had the necessary experience to work with Nigeria’s local and foreign-based players.

He reasoned that Siasia had been on ground and knew the strengths and weakness of the bulk of the current Super Eagles players.

“This is the reason why I think that he should be given the Super Eagles job ahead of Keshi. Siasia is one coach that knows how to rebuild a team and works mainly with young players. Besides, he is a good tactitian who has the respect of the players,” Iganibo reasoned.

In his contribution, Samuel Iyoyo, a grassroots soccer coach said although Keshi and Siasia are good coaches, they should be given a chance to convince the technical board on what to do.

He said the technical board which is made of seasoned footballers and former coaches are capable of selecting the best for the country.

Akonte Samuel