10th November, 2010
Group Managing Director, Daar Communications Plc, Tony Akiotu, told KAZEEM JIMOH in this interview that he expects a new Super Eagles squad. Apart from that, he wants Nigeria’s Chief Coach, Samson Siasia to within two years, turn around the Super Eagles
What is your take on the appointment of Samson Siasia as the Chief Coach of Super Eagles?
Well, under the circumstance, I think it is the best decision that the NFF and its officials have ever made. The desire of Nigerians is to have an indigenous coach for the Super Eagles and Siasia is the most exposed in terms of experience and exposure. I hope he will give Nigerians the much-expected result in terms of performance at the highest level.
What are your expectations from Siasia?
I expect him within two years, to turn around the Super Eagles for good; to inject fresh legs into the team and lead the Super Eagles to at least the semi-final stage in the next Africa Nations Cup in 2012. It is also expected that he will get the Super Eagles to put up a respectable performance in the next World Cup in Brazil.
What is your message to him as he takes charge of the Super Eagles ?
If I were in his shoes, I will tell the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to hire a complete coaching crew for me, which includes a goal keeper trainer and a physical trainer among others that a foreigner will get as a coach of Nigeria. Football is not all about getting the ball behind the net. Many Nigerians who do not understand the nature of football think it begins and ends with the coach. It doesn’t. To get positive result, you must ensure that your goalkeeper is the best you can afford; your mildfield has some of the best players and psychologically, your players are in the right mood and right frame of mind before a match. All these are departments of the game with specialised skills. If you don’t have them, you can never perform well on a football pitch.
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