Rely on wisdom of former internationals – John Fashanu tells NFF

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Former England forward John Fashanu has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and administrators to always rely on the wisdom of ex-internationals who once played for the country’s senior national team.

Players like himself, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, and the like can bring a lot of value to the Supr Eagles and Fashanu said it is time to rely on their wisdom for solutions to all the problems bedeviling the girls.

Fashanu was of the view that the same ex-players played without bribe to be admitted into the national team stating that such players played on merit and would never ask any player to bring money for them .

“They [NFF] should look at Jay Jay Okocha and so many other players like myself [Fashanu],” Fashanu told Brila FM.

“Look at some of the ex-players who are still here in Nigeria and see the likes of Kanu Nwankwo. So many of us who were excellent players. Played the game of football cleanly without a bribe.

“These are the people that can change the face of football in this country and not go abroad to search anywhere else for a coach.The coach had to be from Nigeria and somebody who they know. That is what is stopping us.” He concluded.

Fashanu didn’t play for the Super Eagles during his playing days but has followed the team with keen interest since his retirement from international football.

He represented England at full International level gaining two caps – against Chile and Scotland in the 1989 Rous Cup, due to his good form at club level for his then club Wimbledon.

Fash as he is fondly called was also eligible to play for Nigeria and since retiring he has expressed regret in not being able to do so.