Chairman, FCT Football Coaches Association, Godwin Bamigboye, has cautioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Federal Ministry of Sports Development not to interfere in Finidi George’s job as Super Eagles coach.
Bamigboye gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.
The former Nigerian international winger was appointed on Monday as the head coach of the most populous African men’s national football team, succeeding Jose Peseiro who quit the job after the expiration of his contract.
Bamigboye appealed to the NFF to treat George with respect and give him all rights and privileges given to foreign coaches.
“I want to congratulate my brother, George, for this appointment. We have seen his exploits as coach of one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs, Enyimba International.
“He has also worked with Peseiro for a long time and definitely knows the players well. He must have understood them and should use his wisdom and knowledge to manage them.
“The technical committee may have their role to play and can be behind the scene to perform their functions.
“He should be allowed to make his own decisions and deserves respect from all. The respect and privileges accorded to a foreign coach should be extended to him,’’ he said.
Bamigboye called on George to bring back ‘the glory days’ of the Super Eagles. “I will encourage him to go back to that attacking style of play that the team was known for.
“We should dictate the pace of the game, control the tempo and put our opponents under pressure and not what we saw with Peseiro or Gernot Rohr.
“George should ensure he gets back the trust and confidence of the fans,’’ he added.