Usman Abdullah tasks Nigeria Football Federation to invest in Indigenous coaches

By Saheed Afolabi

Usman Abdallah has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritize investing in indigenous coaches to help them master their craft and improve the state of football in the country.

This comes amid criticism directed at Super Eagles coach Finidi George, whose management of the national team has raised concerns about Nigeria’s World Cup prospects.

Abdallah emphasized the need for the NFF to enhance the knowledge and experience of local coaches to expand their expertise.

He believes that significant investment and sacrifice from the Glass House (NFF headquarters) are crucial for the growth of home-based coaches.

“Nigeria needs to select about five to seven of us and upgrade us,” Abdallah was quoted saying by Brila FM.

“Upgrading means sending us to places where we can gain some attachments and experience. I’ve been advocating for this.”

Abdallah, the former Enyimba coach, stressed that progress won’t happen without deliberate efforts and investment in local coaching talent.

“We can’t just sit down and expect things to work. They have to sacrifice and invest in us,” he added.