After initial report of Paul Le Guen’s appointment on Monday, July 18, 2016, by the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as Super Eagles’ head coach, Nigerians were surprised by the news that the French coach has turned down the offer. The rejection was attributed to failure to agree on some germane issues.
It was revealed that the 52-year-old backed out because of NFF’s refusal to allow him stay outside Nigeria and for including a target in the contract.
Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande said, “In truth, the Technical and Development Committee perused the profiles of all the coaches who submitted applications and found Mr. Paul Le Guen suitable for the post. But during final negotiations, he objected to being given a target and also did not wish to live in Nigeria, which was a sore point with the Board…
“The job of Head Coach of Nigeria is a very big one and there is no way anyone will get such a job without being handed a target. There is absolutely no issue with Le Guen saying he is not coming; several highly qualified persons would be happy to be named Manager of the Senior National Team of Nigeria. We have a plan to take care of that eventuality.”
It was reported that the new coach of Nigeria will earn around €44,000 a month and live in Lagos, so he can watch young players in the local league.
Although the Federal Government has warned the football body against hiring a foreign coach due to financial constrains, NFF President Amaju Pinnick revealed that they have secured a sponsor to fund salaries of Super Eagles coach. He was quoted as saying in an interview with Brilla FM : “The first thing that we did was to ensure we got a partner that will pay the fees of all the coaches and not just whoever was selected.”
It was also reported that part of the agreement with the sponsor was that the NFF will secure a foreign coach, it’s either a foreign coach or no deal. That’s why the NFF are bent on hiring a foreign coach.
However, getting the right coach has been strenuous, as most of the decent coaches are unavailable, and the terms of agreement seem frightening for those who may want to consider the job.
Nigerians expect the NFF to name a coach as soon as possible so we don’t lose out of the World Cup as many are still saddened by the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the Nations Cup earlier this year.
- Olalekan Olonilua for encomium.ng