Tuesday 14 July 2015

Why Oliseh is a big gamble to Nigerian football 


“No, no, that cannot be, he can’t be Super Eagles coach. Oliseh cannot, no, he can’t, If the Nigeria Football Federation is bringing Oliseh to
handle the Super Eagles, then that is too bad because it is not right. It is not proper, he is not the right man for the job.” Former Nigeria coach, Clemens Westerhof queried.


With all the buzz surrounding the eminent confirmation of ex-super eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, as the head coach of the national team, our team of experts examines possible stumbling blocks to the former Ajax man's quest.


1. Inexperience

With just a single managerial appointment till date, Sunday Oliseh lacks the pedigree and expertise to handle an enormous task as the Super Eagles job. One many describe as the 'hottest' in Nigeria, only an experienced and well traveled manager could comfortably fill the void left by Keshi.


2. Pride/Arrogance

Just like his predecessor, Sunday Oliseh is one proud fellow, the 'self proclaimed messiah' of Nigerian football. A rebel during his playing days, an attribute he still share with his fore-runner.

The tactician was even sacked by Borrusia Dortmund for punching a teammate while at the German side.

It takes an open-minded, listening and humble individual to handle the enormous task of team building which is conspicuously lacking in the gaffer.  


3. Poor Knowledge of the Local terrain

As captain of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh featured in two African Cup of nations tounaments and was champion once. He toured the African continent in his quest for greatness, but has failed to replicate this as coach.

Oliseh's only taste of management was in Belgium and has never handled any African team be it national, club or even an amateur side.


4. AWOL from the game

Looking at Sunday Oliseh's profile, he's one of the few Nigerians with a FIFA PRO license but also, he's last coaching-related job was in 2008. What this mean is that the former midfield maestro has been away from the coaching circle for over 7 years.

Just like footballers, absence from the game affects the performance of coaches as it hampers their progress.  


5. Never served as assistant

Football greatest coaches learned their trade by acting as understudy to already successful coaches. The Jose Mourinho of this world was at one time assistant to the great Luis Van Gal, so also was former Ivory coast coach, Herve Rernard, who followed the foot steps of mentor, Claudio Leroy.

Sunday Oliseh though tactically gifted, hasn't really sat down to learn the trade from an already established name in the business. This could have a big effect on the Delta born coach.

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