Why Nigerian coaches fail — Amaju Pinnick

Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and current FIFA council member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has opened up about his controversial preference for expatriate coaches over indigenous ones.

Amaju Pinnick, who notably appointed Franco-German Gernot Rohr to manage the Super Eagles and American Randy Waldrum for the Super Falcons, shared his reasons in a recent interview on Arise TV, shedding light on a deeply rooted issue within Nigerian football.

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Pinnick’s tenure saw a consistent pattern of choosing foreign tacticians, a decision he explains stems from a critical problem: a lack of respect for local coaches by the national team players.

“Yes, the Nigerian coaches have the requisite knowledge and the technical ability, but modern football is beyond that in managing players,” Pinnick stated. “Will the national team players respect the coach? The sad thing is that they don’t.”

This startling admission highlights a significant cultural challenge within the Super Eagles’ camp, one that transcends mere technical expertise. Pinnick’s stance suggests that the dynamics of respect and authority are pivotal in his decision-making process, pushing him towards foreign coaches who might command more authority and discipline.

As the NFF continues its search for a new foreign coach for the Super Eagles, Pinnick’s insights provide a fresh perspective on the underlying issues faced by local coaches. It raises pertinent questions about the respect and professional dynamics within the team, and whether these can be addressed to pave the way for successful indigenous leadership in the future.