The Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) appointment of Finidi George as the new Super Eagles head coach has stirred a mix of hope and cautious optimism. George, a revered member of Nigeria's golden generation, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the national team culture.
However, replicating his playing success on the coaching side requires a collaborative effort between him and the NFF.
Here, we explore the historical treatment of ex-internationals as coaches and outline a roadmap to success for this new chapter.
A checkered past:
The NFF's decision to appoint George marks a return to a familiar strategy – entrusting the national team to former players. However, this approach hasn't always yielded consistent results, and past experiences offer valuable lessons for the current administration.
- Christian Chukwu (2004-2006): A defensive stalwart during his playing career, Chukwu coached Nigeria, leading them to the semi-finals at the 2004 African Cup of Nations. During the 2006 World Cup qualification phase, Chukwu was blamed for inept coaching and management of the Nigerian national football team, and two matches before the qualifying campaign was over, he was suspended.
In two matches – home and away – against eventual group winners Angola, Nigeria failed to win either one of those two encounters. This was blamed on Chukwu, and those two crucial failures eventually led to Nigeria failing to qualify for the World Cup, after having appeared at all World Cup finals tournaments since their debut in 1994.
- Samson Siasia (2011, 2016): Samson Siasia, a former Nigerian international and U-23 coach, was entrusted with the national team on two separate occasions. His first stint, in 2011, was as interim manager for the crucial AFCON 2012 qualifiers. The team's performance fell short, failing to qualify for the tournament after a disappointing draw against Guinea. Siasia took full responsibility for the setback and publicly apologized to Nigerian fans.
Siasia's second tenure, again as an interim coach following Sunday Oliseh's resignation in 2016, focused on the 2017 AFCON qualifiers. Here, the Super Eagles were defeated by Egypt, dashing their hopes of qualification. Siasia once again shouldered the blame and offered his apologies to the nation.
- Stephen Keshi (2011-2013): “Big Boss” Keshi stands out as a success story. His deep knowledge of African football and charismatic leadership culminated in Nigeria's triumph at the 2013 AFCON. However, his relationship with the NFF was not without friction. Public disagreements over player selection and a perceived lack of support ultimately led to his departure.
Empowering Finidi George for success
These past experiences highlight the importance of the NFF fostering a more collaborative environment for ex-international coaches. Here's a roadmap to guide both parties towards success:
- Competitive compensation: The NFF must prioritize offering George a competitive financial package. While it may not mirror Peseiro's remuneration, it should demonstrate respect for his experience. Micromanagement will only hinder his effectiveness. He should be empowered to implement his tactical philosophy, select players, and manage the team.
- Building a strong support system: Surrounding George with a competent backroom staff is crucial. The NFF should ensure he has access to qualified assistant coaches, trainers, and analysts who complement his strengths and address any gaps in his skillset.
- Addressing dressing room issues: The NFF must collaborate with George to address any internal conflicts or issues within the team. Open communication and a unified approach are essential for creating a harmonious dressing room environment where players feel valued and motivated.
- Autonomy: Nigeria boasts a wealth of talented players, but their true potential can only be unlocked by a clear tactical vision. George, with his experience on the international stage, undoubtedly possesses such a vision. Granting him tactical freedom empowers him to implement his preferred playing style and formation. This allows him to tailor the team's approach to exploit the strengths of the available players, maximizing their effectiveness on the pitch.
