Oliseh Must Control His Temperament To Coach Eagles

(NAN) Football analysts in Umuahia, the Abia capital, have expressed satisfaction with the appointment of Sunday Oliseh as the Super Eagles Head Coach. The analysts, however, warned that he should check his temperament if he hoped to succeed.

Reacting to the appointment of the former skipper of the nation’s senior team by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the analysts said they had no problem with his choice.

The former Director of Sports in the state, Ejikeme Ikwunze, popularly called ‘Mr Football’, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Saturday that the choice was well made.


Ikwunze said that Oliseh had the pedigree to handle the Eagles, having played at the national team and in different clubs across the world.

He, however, warned that Oliseh needed to tame his temperament to avoid friction with the players and the NFF.

‘’He should strive to work harmoniously with the NFF and his players,’’ Ikwunze said.


Speaking in the same vein, a member of the state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Hyacinth Okoli, said that Oliseh had the capability to handle the national team.

Okoli said that aside from his experience as a player and coach, “he has also acquired education that will equip him to deliver on the job.

“I do not have any problem with his choice but he needs to check his temperament,’’ he said.

The Chairman of SWAN in the state, Vincent Obike, on his part, expressed cautious optimism about the chances of the ex-Nigerian international to succeed, saying that his performance would depend on some variables.

“I am aware that he has undergone some coaching training in Europe after an illustrious playing career.

“He has been outspoken on the nation’s football, creating an impression that he is capable of providing answers to the technical need of Nigerian football.

“He is a serious guy, who understands the Nigerian system but I cannot stick out my neck on whether he will be a success because this will depend on some variables,’’ Obike said.

The SWAN chairman, who said that he perceived the choice of Oliseh as “a gamble by the NFF,’’ feared that he would “fallout with NFF, if they interfere in his job unduly’’.

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He urged Nigerians to give Oliseh a chance, saying that the country should continue to give opportunities to indigenous coaches. (NAN)