New Super Eagle coach Finidi George will have to prove critics wrong so as to win the support of more Nigerians after his appointment was greeted by a subdued reaction.
While some lauded his appointment, many others were less enthusiastic.
USA-based FIFA agent Kingsley Chukwuemeka said the former Ajax winger is a good fit to lead the Super Eagles.
“Finidi is the right choice for Eagles coaching job since NFF will not go for top-notch European coaches,” he told SCORENigeria
“So, instead of bringing a low-level European coach, Finidi is much better choice. He played at highest level of the game, he learnt coaching by teaching youngsters and learning from his mentors in Europe.
“He has the right temperament, he has achieved a lot in his short career as a coach in Nigeria.”
However, Chukwuemeka also raised some concerns.
“My only fear is the Nigerian factor – will NFF give him free hand to lead the team? If this is done, he will do well.
“Also, how will he manage the ego of the players, most of who earn more than he does?
Is he able to watch players and make his selections on merit?.
“These are questions that need to be answered, but I think he has the potential to do well, he just has to be strong in whatever decision he makes.”
Former international Mutiu Adepoju welcomed the appointment and enjoined Nigerians to support Finidi succeed.
“It is a deserved appointment as he has been with the team for some time now,” he said.
“We should therefore come together and support him to move the Eagles higher.”
Sports journalist Segun Agunbiade said Finidi’s appointment again showed that former NFF president Amaju Pinnick still calls the shots.
“The point I picked from this appointment so far is that the immediate past president of the NFF recommended Finidi George and the present board followed suit,” he said.
“Of what purpose is the so-called technical committee?
“What roles are the technical department of the Nigeria Football Federation playing on this appointment?
“I think it’s good we continue to recognise Amaju Melvin Pinnick as the President of the NFF as whatever he says binds on the Federation”.
A fan, Chinonso Onyeka, said he is not confident the new coach will deliver.
“I was hoping Emmanuel Amuneke will get the nod,” he said.
“We were lucky against Ghana (Finidi was in interim charge of the team) and against Mali, we were shambolic.
“Bottom line is that I’m not confident about his appointment. We wait, time will tell if he is actually a worthy candidate or not. I wish him the best.”
Sylvester Amos said he is delighted it will be a Nigerian coach in charge of the national even though he would have preferred Amuneke.
“The NFF of surprises…we all thought the job was between Amuneke and the Dutch guy……and then boom …Finidi gets it…” he commented.
“But anyways, I am happy for him….happy also that our own …..a Nigerian will be on seat…..
Congratulations to him, wishing him all the very best with the team and everyone else working with him”.
Additional reporting by Aboluwade God’s Treasure AGT
