New Super Eagles handler, Sunday Oliseh has stated categorically that only players who ply their trades in the top leagues of the world will form the bulk of his team. He said this after his unveiling by the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the media center of the Abuja National Stadium yesterday.
Oliseh who signed a three year deal said it is a big honour for him to be considered for the Super Eagles’ job saying it is the biggest job in African football and call for every stakeholder support for the Eagles to fly again. The former national team captain stated that he was ready to give his best to the job while he appealed to the leadership of the NFF to give him the needed support in his new assignment. He called on the NFF to provide the coaching crew with the necessary information about Eagles’ opponent which he said is the norm the world over.
Oliseh, who was known for his bluntness however added that any player who is playing in the lower league whether in Nigeria or overseas will find it difficult to play in the national team. “No player outside of first division in Nigeria or elsewhere will play for Super Eagles,” Oliseh said. Gone are the days when we had individual players who can win games on their own. But we have potential. We will work together with the technical committee because if we fail, they fail,” he said.
NFF President, Amaju Pinnick said the unveiling of Oliseh is an epoch-making in the history of Nigerian football saying his engagement goes punditry adding that the federation did not have choice than to engage the former Ajax player who he referred to as “Pep Guardiola of African football” to take Nigerian football to another level.
“Oliseh has all the necessary knowledge and exposure we’re looking for to take the country’s football to a great height. He shares our vision, received the approval of our sports ministry, the blessings of the NFF technical committee and executive board,” Pinnick stated.
With his engagement, Oliseh becomes the fourth player from the class of 1994 to manage the Super Eagles after Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Keshi and will be assisted by Belgian coach, Jean Francois Loscito, Salisu Yusuff and Aloy Agu who replaces Ike Shorunmu as the goalkeeper trainer.
Oliseh first assignment will be the Nations Cup qualifier against Tanzania in September. Nigeria currently occupies the second position in their group while the Pharaoh of Egypt leads on goal difference.
…Echiejile, Troost-Ekong hail appointment
Super Eagles defenders, EldersonEchiejile and William Troost-Ekong, have both sent congratulatory messages to their newly appointed coach Sunday Oliseh.
Echiejile who is in splendid form for his French side took to twitter to wish Oliseh the best as he succeeds Stephen Keshi.
He wrote on his twitter handle: “Congratulations Sunday Oliseh on your new job. Wishing you the best in this new era.” @EldersonEch.
Oliseh signed a three year deal with the NIgerian Football Federation and will receive a monthly salary of 5 million naira.
Also Troost-Ekong, also hailed the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, AmajuPinnick for appointing the former Ajax and Juventus midfielder.
“Congratulations, to Sunday Oliseh, the new head coach of Super Eagles.” And congratulations to PinnickAmaju,” he wrote on his twitter handle.
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