The frenzy that greeted reports that the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF was in talks with former Super Eagles Captain and midfield maestro, Delta State born Sunday Oliseh over possible takeover of Super Eagles as Chief Coach is not unexpected, considering the pedigree of the ex- Eagles captain during his playing days, his pin-point analysis of the game as TV soccer pundit as well as coaching license.
Though the barrage of divergent opinions by football followers and experts across the country weigh heavily in favour of Sunday Oliseh succeeding the Big Boss, Stephen Keshi, it must be said that the proposed five-year contract expected to be signed by Sunday Oliseh, with a reported Dutch Assistant may not be executed to logical conclusion, considering the personality of Sunday Oliseh and the NFF led by former DFA Boss, Amaju Pinnick.
Like the ousted Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh, who is known for his principle and temperament would not succumb to the authority of the NFF Technical Committee and department, when it comes to players’ selection for the Eagles.
Despite not having coaching experience at top level, Sunday Oliseh whose depth of the game is not in doubt would love to be picking players by himself, whether foreign or locally based and this will likely set him on collision course with those administering affairs at the Glass House.
Sunday Oliseh who is also well known for his demand for players’ welfare will definitely take on the NFF headlong on issues of prompt payment of players’ allowances, appropriate match venues as well as welfare of members of his technical crew.
The warm embrace of NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and Sunday Oliseh in London during preliminary contract talks recently may also become a charm if the football house insist on Sunday Oliseh residing 100% in the country in a bid for him to visit our domestic league venues weekly to monitor the games and unearth talents for the Senior National team like Dutch tactician, Clemence Westerhof did, which made him till date the most successful handler of Our Senior National Team.
Before Sunday Oliseh puts pen to paper, the contract terms should be well spelt out and talks mutually agreed upon in clear terms or else the romance will go sour faster than the NFF/Stephen Keshi episode.
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