National Teams
John Fashanu advocates for ex-Internationals to take Super Eagles job
Former professional player John Fashanu has thrown his weight behind the idea of former Nigeria internationals taking on the role of head coach for the national team.
Fashanu emphasized Nigeria’s wealth of talented players, both current and retired, who possess the capability to lead the national team effectively. He questioned the rationale behind hiring foreign coaches who may lack an understanding of Nigerian culture.
“There are some outstanding Nigerian players in the football world today, such as Victor Osimhen or Alex Iwobi. Additionally, we have brilliant ex-players like Nwankwo Kanu who are ready for the opportunity to manage the Super Eagles,” Fashanu stated, as reported by Lucky Block.
Continuing his argument, Fashanu expressed his concern over the trend of appointing foreign coaches who may not even speak the language or understand the intricacies of Nigerian football culture.
“Why do we have to look to Europe and bring in managers from countries like Sweden or Germany for the Nigeria role? It’s puzzling. I strongly believe that one of our former players should lead the team. It would be fantastic,” Fashanu added.
He also shared his personal preference, suggesting players like Jay-Jay Okocha, known for his exceptional playing career and astute footballing intelligence, as ideal candidates for the coaching role. However, Fashanu humorously hinted at his own readiness for the position, stating, “Maybe it’s about time I became Nigeria’s manager.”
In response to the vacancy, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed receiving over 70 applications for the Super Eagles head coach position, encompassing both indigenous and foreign coaches.
Fashanu’s sentiments echo a growing sentiment within Nigerian football circles, advocating for a shift towards domestic talent to lead the national team.