By Adebobola Alawode
As controversy rages over the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the South Africa 2010 World Cup, chief coach of the team, Amodu Shuaibu, has come out with a startling revelation: he does not even have a team that can qualify Nigeria for the mundial yet.
It was a stunning declaration by the Eagles coach, whose job should be on the line if his empolyers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Nigerians actually think deep about his plans at this crucial time of the 2010 World Cup qualifyng series. The former Orlando Pirates of South Africa coach showed naivety with the way he reacted to questions about his capability to lead the team to the 2010 World Cup.
“I will not deceive myself about my job as Eagles coach,” Amodu began in a public session with journalists. His startling revelation on Star F.M.’s Megasports this morning, was nothing but depressing. “I don’t even have a team that Nigeria can call a national team for now. I don’t have the first 11 that we can call up for any tough match, that is how bad it is for the current Eagles,” he disclosed.
Amodu, who was sacked as chief coach of the Eagles about nine years ago, after the Mali 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, before he returned to the post last year, seems not to know how to get a solid Eagles’ squad. He declared that Nigeria cannot rank alongside the likes of Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire and champions, Pharaohs of Egypt, for now. Amodu stated further that his team are far behind what is expected of them, adding that when it comes to commitment, selfless service to the team and other attributes that make a team tick, the qualities cannot be found in the Nwankwo Kanu-led Eagles.
Amodu, who has been under fire following his team’s dismal performance against Mozambique in Maputo, told soccer-loving Nigerians that the nation still has a long way to go if “we must qualify for the World Cup.” The Eagle’s lackluster performance against the Black Mambas of Mozambique during the first leg, last round of the World Cup qualifying series, does not seem to bother him. In his own estimation, the Eagles performed above average and he even believes they are worthy of commendation.
“Nigerians must appreciate what we did in Maputo, what we did there is worthy of praise; we were prepared to win the match, it was however unfortunate that we didn’t win. “The truth is that I don’t have the type of players that I need as the chief coach of Nigeria, I also don’t have a set of first team stars that can help Nigeria qualify for South Africa 2010.”
denyx
20 April 2009 18:00This man should be ashamed of himself. just before the match against the mambas, he said he has the best even with Dickson begging for a place. And now it is a different story entire. Oga Amodu, please do something tangible now before it is too late. What stops you from having a second team from the local league in the first place. I beg, as we dey pray for you, Nigeria team come South Africa 2010 is not negotiable. shikena
ebinpalejo
20 April 2009 19:34Amodu is simply being honest. The country does not invest or encourage talent yet every one assumes it is our birthright to qualify or win competitions. At the barest minimum, FA needs to provide the sporting technology, insurance and facilities that are available at european club level. It is too much to expect Kanu or Obafemi to play at the same level for the national team as they will play for their clubs just because they were born in Nigeria. Let’s face it, these clubs pay these boys while Nigeria pays nothing.Being patriotic should not be a burden.
K.S.
20 April 2009 21:43I have always liked Coach Amodu, but the above statements credited to him is very disappointing. It shows lack of confidence in oneself and in his job. Amodu should have faith over fear, and success would come his way/Nigerians.
If he believes he has no team what is he doing to have one that will be ready to dislodge Tunisia, so that Nigeria would go to the world cup? What is Amodu lacking? Players? motivation? money or what is it that has not been made available to him. He should let Nigerians know now before its too late.
Amodu should undertand that WC qualification is the minimum that is required of him. He MUST therefore do everything humanly possible to ensure that Nig. qualifies for the WC. He should brace up as a man and face it squarly and he will succede instead of saying that he has no team.
Iheanacho Henry Esq
20 April 2009 23:16Amodu is simply an obsolete coach.He should be sack now before it is too late.It is supprising that in the mist of plenty this quota system coach can not pick /scout local players to blend with our few professionals who are doing good abroad.Most of our players in Europe are player bellow expections and can not be relied on.sack Amodu now before he breaks the heart of millions football loving Nigerians.
Gabby Hawkins
21 April 2009 11:30This Chief or whatever his title is was talking rubbish. He is the head coach who is interested in assembling tired legs and old brigade. Three quarter of the team is above 30 years old. Amodu should be removed and people like Kano must hang his boots. JJ Okocha is a role model (all over the world) and when the time was up, he retired. I wonder what Kano in still doing with the National team. The guy is about 40 years old (claiming to be 32) and should retire honorably. Nigeria is currupt at all levels. There are many talents in that country but selection of the right people is influenced by the politicians. For you guys to qualify for 2010, you need Westernoff, i.e. the best that ever coached Nigerian team. Just take this guy for six months and the Nigerians will be happy. Na waaa ooo.
Peter E.
21 April 2009 15:51Amodu is just seeing what non-coaches as us saw long ago; yet he felt that we were not fair in our criticism. Imagine all that a player like Beckham is doing to get an England call but our players are waiting for our coaches to travel abroad to beg them to play for their nation. A coach that knows his onions will create competition in the team, and pick the best. Its not true that Nigeria lacks quality players. What we lack are hardworking coaches that will comb our local/African/international terrains for talented players; and assembled the right combination together. Amodu should be bold enough to drop non performing players, and give hungry ones opportunity to display their talents.
patrick
22 April 2009 09:06If we want to qualify for 2010 world cup we must sack amodu after our match with kenya.A good coach such as samson sia sia
would scout for players both in nigerian league and within europe so as to build a formidable national team. within Europe there are good
players such as the other Utaka that plays for a Danish club side,Akpala is performing well in Belgium, even Taiwo ,Yobo and Shittu are in form,Etuhu is good yet amodu says these players are average players.When a coach such as amodu is inept and is not capable of building a formidale team what you will hear from such a coach is this kind of nonsense. He is still talking about the role of Mikel obi in the team yet we have Ayinla,Kalu and Etuhu.May God delivered us from amodu and lulu.
K.S.
22 April 2009 10:41Amodu has no confidence in himself and has even addmitted failure because he feels he is not up to the job and he is entertaining fear that he would fail. Its very bad he said he has no team. Is this not the same team that he used in the first round? If he believes he has no team, what effort has he made since he was appointed to assemble one?
I have always liked Amodu since his days in BCC Lions Gboko, and when he qualified Nigeria for 2002 WC . Bonfrero Jo was talking then he had no team and was anticipating failure just as Amodu is doing now. But NFA took a decision and sacked Bonfero and appointed Amodu and Keshi and they took the job with courage and qualified Nigeria for the 2002 WC against everbody’s expectation.
My advice to Amodu is to summon courage and pick the best playser who are hungry and drop tired legs so tha Nigeria can go to the WC. Lets pray for him since its too late to sack him vnoe.No new coach can build a new team over night to face Tunisia.
canoes
26 May 2009 17:49when you don’t have players with motivation to play for their country thats what happen (we have talented players but not team)