Reasons Why Oliseh Was Chosen As Coach By NFF

As the tenure of Stephen Keshi comes to an end, we look forward to a new coach who will take over the super Eagles possibly to greater height and possible return the glory day back to the National team.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has gone in search of a coach and have come out with the option of Sunday Oliseh. Initially the Federal (NFF) wanted a foreign coach but after some negotiation have to settle for an indigenous coach and the local coach here is Sunday Oliseh.

On this note we take a look at why Sunday Oliseh was the one chosen among all the local coach, in reference to the statement that many are called but few are chosen.

Discipline:

Discipline is one of the factors, NFF have always wanted in the SuperEagles and in a person/coach like Sunday Oliseh the Federation found a personality with discipline and dignity.

Sunday Oliseh’s discipline both during his playing days have endeared him to many coupled with his immense talent but Sunday Oliseh knows that talent alone is not enough to achieve success at the highest level in the game but with discipline in addition one can soar higher in the game and became a better professional and even a role model.

Oliseh have always been an advocate of discipline during his days in the National team and after his days as a player but also man as an individual and have always wanted many player to be of good accord and discipline.

Leadership:

The leadership qualities of Sunday Oliseh are not in doubt at all as seen during his playing days in the National Team.

His leadership quality earned him the captain arm band of the super eagle. Sunday Oliseh was captain of the super eagles and he inspired the team both on and off the field. He is such a leader that comes with inspiration that his teammate are able to benefit from.

He is a strong character and cannot be pushed aside easily. That inspiration which he impacted upon the player in his days will be much needed now most importantly in the Super Eagles as he needs to inspire his players as a coach both in the dressing room and in the dugout as the qualifier continues in September.

Understanding of the system:

The super eagles job is not meant for a novice but for a man who is grounded in knowledge and understanding.

The Federation wants a man that is accountable for the team and also have a level of
understanding. Sunday Oliseh fits in to that regard because he has the knowledge and insight that will enable him deliver.

He has a good understanding of the system (Nigerian football administrative conditions). He has played in the National team for almost a decade and understands the rigours of Nigerian football.

He knows where the problem lies particularly from the grassroots development to the local league. He has the ability to chart a new course for the super eagles and so is a positive candidate for the job.

He understands the culture of the Nigerian game (our wing play style) and bear in mind the structure within in the terrain.

 Vocal:

Sunday Oliseh’s outspoken nature have not gone unnoticed by many.

During the African cup of Nations in 2002, the Federation did have a controversy with the player. The Federation excluded some of the players that participated in the African cup of Nations and world cup qualifiers from the world cup plan citing lack of commitment and insubordination from the players and therefore some of the players wanted to protest but Oliseh took it upon himself as captain of the team, to speak unbehalf of the team.

Oliseh was speaking for the welfare of the team complaining that the then NFA got it all wrong in banishing the players saying that it will destroy the chemistry and harmony within the team as regards to the world cup later in the year and for that reason, Oliseh was banished from the team leaving Austin Okocha with the captain armband.

Oliseh has also voiced the need for the super Eagles to return to a suitable/permanent venue in his column where he alarm to the authority to return the super Eagles to Lagos citing that the Lagos atmosphere would bring out the best from Eagles just as the Wembley stadium does for the Three Lions of England.


Technical Strength

Over the years Nigeria have been eliminated from competitions partly because of technical deficiencies so the Federation went in search of a Coach who is technical sound and can read games with aplomb.

Sunday Oliseh technicality is not doubt, his CV where he has a UEFA Pro License is an evidence and he is part of the FIFA technical study group at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

His technicality speaks for him. His analysis of the game in several tournaments has been awesome.

He is very much knowledgeable in the game and has a lot to offer in the game. Sunday Oliseh cited his days in the Italian league with Juventus particularly where his coach then pays so much attention to tactics and game plan as one of the reasons he wants to be a coach and was very much interested in technicality.

The young man has grown in technical ideal and it was the right time to unleash him.


Massive Exposure
Though some may argue about Oliseh lack of experience but the fact that Sunday Oliseh has a massive exposure is never is doubt.

Oliseh plied his trade in Europe as a player in several clubs like Reggiana, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus under several managers and must have learnt a lot in his playing days from such manager.

The fact that he has worked as a football pundit serves as a source of exposure .

Oliseh has also attended many international conferences and is well exposed in modern norms and techniques. His exposure is an asset after working of a member of FIFA technical study group at the World Cup in Brazil last year.

Obiweluozo Martins

Photo Credit : thenff.com