Politics, frequent change of coaches ruining Nigerian football, says Okocha
By Olaolu Joseph
As mixed reactions continue to trail the recent appointment of Malian Eric Sekou Chelle as the Super Eagles’ coach, former Nigerian international Austin Jay Jay Okocha has expressed his views about the Super Eagles’ failure to win any trophy in recent times.
Speaking during the week, the ex Super Eagles’ captain, lamented the development, blaming it on politics and the inconsistency in coaching personnel.
Okocha in his opinion, stated that the running of the country’s football administration by politicians and changing of coaches, have and will continue to ruin the country’s chances of winning trophies.
He argued that Nigeria has the best players in the whole world but has been unable to win trophies, attributing it to poor administration and changing of coaches.
In his words, the former PSG of France player said. “Super Eagles of Nigeria may not win any trophy until the current NFF officials are dissolved or reformed.
“Appoint new officials who knows more about football, who have interest in football, who loves football, whose lifestyles represent football.
“You can’t appoint politicians to manage football, they will turn it to politics and that’s what is happening today.
“We have the best players in the world but yet, we have no trophy to lay our hands, not because of the players, absolutely not” said the former Bolton Wanderers skillful midfielder.
He continued. “When you change a coach, you have changed a dream, a vision, and a mission, in short, you have changed a generation.
“Changing of a coach isn’t just as it sounds to the ear. It’s harmful to the players, they will lose focus. Except the players on their own demand for a better coach.
“Before you consider changing a coach, get some key players and interview them, seek their opinion because most of the players’ performance is based on the good relationship they share with their coach”, the former Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder said.
The ex-international further added. “Once you remove their (players) coach, you see them slack. It’s everywhere not only in football”.
Okocha insisted that the NFF should be reformed, stressing that politics should be separated from the game.
“NFF should be reformed and will automatically earn us a trophy because we have the right players for the job. Politics should not be played in football.
In concluding, Okocha stated, “I’m well convinced that my speech today may offend many people, because truth they say is bitter. I’m sorry to anyone who must have felt offended with my speech but I believe I have said my mind for the progress of the Super Eagles”.
