The National Assembly has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Sports to put the integrity of the country first before appointment of next Super Eagles Coach.
Since the exit of former Super Eagles Coach, Jose Peseiro in February, the NFF is yet to appoint a successor with must-win World Cup qualifying games getting closer.
The House Committee on Sports emphasized the importance of upholding Nigeria integrity before a coach would be employed as the coach of Super Eagles.
They warned against having a repeated scenario like in the past, where the country name was dragged in the mud because the NFF and the Ministry couldn’t secure the payment of foreign national team coaches.
The House Committee on Sports, however, supports the idea of bringing on board a foreign coach only if the NFF and the Ministry of Sports had worked out modalities on the payment of the coaches without owing.
The Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon Ekene Adams highlighted the significance of having an indigenous coach who is capable, experienced and have the qualification to lead the Nigeria senior men’s national team.
Furthermore, the National Assembly hammered on the need for transparency in the selection process to ensure that the best candidate is chosen to lead the Super Eagles.
He said, “We are thinking of hiring a foreign coach and the question is, do we have the money to hire a foreign coach without owing him?
He added, “We are not saying they should not hire a foreign coach if they have the money to pay without owing him.
The National Assembly standpoint is that, they should not hire a coach they cannot afford to pay, they must make sure they hire a coach they can pay at the end of every month because we will not fold our hands and allow anyone to drag Nigeria name in dispute.
“If truly we have qualified coaches among our indigenous coaches who have submitted applications and can do the job, we should give them the opportunity to lead team to success.
The likes of Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George, Emmanuel Amunike, and host of other indigenous coaches who have the qualification, experience and have indicated interest in leading the team should be employed.
The Nigeria Super Eagles who have two points from two games will host South Africa in Uyo in June before flying to face the Squirrels of Benin Republic in Abidjan in Match Day 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.