On Amodu and Qualification for South Africa 2010

During the controversy over whether Shuaibu Amodu should continue as the head of the coaching crew of the Super Eagles, former footballer, Adokiye Amasiemeka, had asked for elaboration or clarification of the expression “technical expertise” from those unimpressed about the coach’s achievements.

Amodu’s critics have often derided him for lacking technical expertise and as such, they have called for a technical adviser to provide the midas touch. Over two weeks after Adokiye threw that challenge, nobody has offered the clarity requested.

I have been an advocate for local coaches. My point being that if they are not treated with disdain and provided with inadequate tools by the sports authorities, they would equal or surpass the achievements of the foreign coaches. But their low self-esteem and their willingness to take any offer without conditions undermines any campaign for their recruitment.

The Nigerian Football Federation met last week and told Amodu “to carry go”. But they are playing politics with Nigeria’s chances in the mundial. They should know better (and they know better) about Amodu’s capabilities and how Nigeria’s qualification for Woza 2010 went beyond the talents Nigeria paraded.

It has been argued that Nigeria should not make the mistake of 2002 when Amodu qualified us for the South Korea mundial; only to be replaced. And his successor then turned out a failure.

Amodu and Domenech

Amodu and the French national coach, Raymond Domenech, share same tribulations. They have been pilloried for the less than satisfactory results of their teams. And in spite of the NFF’s endorsement, Amodu shares a similar uncertainty with Domenech: they have taken their teams to within sight of the promised land but they might not take them to Canaan.

So, why is it that Amodu is not widely respected for his achievements and abilities? He is without doubt the most successful indigenous coach. The problem is that Amodu is not his own man. What Amodu presents is the case of the puppet and the puppeteer. There is nothing wrong in people championing one’s cause. But the appointee must draw a line in taking ownership of a project and taking responsibility.

Amodu’s personality

From those who have observed Amodu as a national team coach, what troubles them most is that he is weak. That is, he is incapable of asserting authority. More importantly, the external influence from the larger NFF has also left Amodu a toothless bulldog. Indeed, it was his inability to assert himself and instill discipline in the team that left Nigeria’s national team in its precarious state.

He reminds one of the immediate past coach of England, Steve McClaren, who was just a sissy. He was not only bossed by the senior players like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerarrd, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and John Terry but also by those yet to cut their teeth at the international level. He was calling the players their pet names like “Steven G” and “JT” as if he was competing for affection with the players’ wives and girlfriends.

Is it not the same English players that were so unruly that have been told to leave their lovers and wives at home and face national assignment. They are not even allowed to use cell phones by Fabio Capello.

What best exemplifies Amodu’s weakness is the players he invites to camp and plays in games. Stories abound about how Mikel Obi walks into camp and would not train; yet he plays. There is this story about a player who would not have been benched if not for the insistence of a member of NFF’s technical committee. And the replacement has justified his choice.

Onigbinde’s example

Now that Amodu has been given a clean bill of health, he should transform to a Fabian Capello. He must assert himself in his relationship with the players.

You can say anything about Festus Onigbinde but not that he is not in control.

If in doubt, ask Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Even every player’s lover, Arsene Wenger, does not tolerate indiscipline.

Nonetheless, Amodu should be given a target in order for him to take us to South Africa 2010. And that would be a semi-final berth at the African Cup of Nations in Angola next month.

If he fails to deliver, enough of the emotional bleating about Amodu qualifying Nigeria for South Africa 2010. He would have to go.

But those calling for renowned foreign coaches like Giovanni Trapattoni and Guus Hiddink should also think about the cost of hiring either of them. The NFF does not have the funds to pay a high-profile coach. There was a report last week that Ruud Gullit has demanded 100,000 Euros (N21.7 million) exclusive of taxes to become our national team coach. That also excludes his assistants. Trappatoni and Hiddink could cost more. Though, a football lover, I would loath government spending such sums to recruit a coach who will only parachute to Nigeria one week before a match and would not watch our league and develop our football.

With the NFF in dispute with Glo over sponsorship money for the national teams, do not expect any intervention from the telecommunications firm. So, which company will dole over N270 million annually to pay for the wages of a national team coach?

In the event that Amodu is sacked, I agree with those that have contended that we should go for a low-profile foreign coach who is hungry for success – a coach in the mould of Clemens Westerhof, an unknown in Netherland when he was recruited, who was eager to succeed.