Oliseh in Talks for Super Eagle’s Job as Taribo Roots for Amokachi
Sunday Oliseh
LAGOS 8TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Sunday Oliseh is in advanced talks with the Nigerian Football Federation over becoming the new Super Eagles coach, BBC Sport understands.
The 40-year-old former midfielder, who captained Nigeria and won 63 caps, is set to be appointed in the coming days.
The NFF have acted quickly to fill the vacancy following the sacking of Stephen Keshi on Saturday.
Oliseh was part of the Nigeria squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and Olympic gold two years later.
He also played at the World Cup in 1994 and 1998, helping the Super Eagles to the last-16 at both tournaments and in the latter he scored a memorable winner as Nigeria shocked Spain 3-2 in a group match.
Daniel Amokachi
A member of the “golden generation” of Nigerian football stars, alongside Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George, Oliseh has been working as a pundit, sport consultant and Fifa Technical committee member.
Oliseh has little management experience, having coached only Belgian lower league side Vervietois between 2008 and 2009, but he does hold the Uefa Pro Licence.
He would take over from NFF technical director Shaibu Amodu and assistant coach Salisu Yusuf, who are are currently in charge on an interim basis.
In another development, former Super Eagle player, Taribo West has suggested that Daniel Amokachi would be a good replacement for Stephen Keshi.
According to him, “The issue of foreign coach is no longer fashionable. Keshi has matched the record of the best expatriate coach we have ever had, Clemens Westerhof. Keshi won the Nations Cup away from home, qualified for the World Cup and took us to the second round. So no talk of foreign coach should be mooted by anybody.”
Instead, the former dread locked defender said, “We must look inwards and engage a competent Nigerian coach to lead the team and in my opinion, Daniel Amokachi is the most equipped Nigerian to handle the Eagles.”
Taribo defended his choice thus, “as far as I know, Amokakachi has understudied no fewer than four top coaches and a man like that should be given a chance to lead the team. He worked with Shaibu Amodu, worked with Eguavoen, Siasia and Keshi. As a coach, he has attended top tournaments and competitions. What else do you need from a man with such vast experience?,” he asked.
