Okoku Urges NFF to Be Diligent in Selecting New Super Eagles Coach
Paul Okoku believes that the next head coach for the Super Eagles should have a solid history of nurturing young talents and employing a dynamic attacking approach to the game.
In a telephone interview with our correspondent, Okoku, a former U-20 assistant captain at the 1983 World Youth Championship in Mexico, shared his thoughts amid the diverse opinions among Nigerian football stakeholders regarding the ideal coach for the three-time African champions.
“For the Super Eagles, Nigeria could benefit from a coach with a strong track record in developing young talent and embracing a dynamic, attacking style of play,” stated Okoku, who was part of Nigeria's silver-winning squad at the 1984 AFCON.
He continued, "A coach who can build a positive team culture and effectively manage player relationships would be highly beneficial."
"We're seeking a coach who doesn't act entitled, who treats players with dignity and the utmost respect, understanding that respect is a two-way street."
"We need a coach who is accountable to both himself and the nation, someone who embraces recruiting talents from home-based players and promotes healthy competition between professional and domestic players.
"Perhaps we should look at hiring a qualified indigenous coach who understands the significance of the role. A figure like the late Stephen Keshi, who was a no-nonsense coach that earned respect from both home-based and internationally-based elite players."
He noted that Keshi had confidence in the potential of homegrown players to build a complete squad despite criticism. "He (Keshi) would often tell me, 'Is it not this same Nigeria that produced talents like Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amesiamaka, Godwin Odiye, Felix Owolabi, and Thompson Usiyan? So, the management team shouldn't neglect the search for talent within our own country.'
"The selected coach must be honest and reliable. We should avoid appointing a domestic coach based on favoritism and instead choose one based on merit, someone with a proven track record who isn't just looking to become a players' agent."
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