Former Watford, Leeds and Brentford defender Sam Sodje has charged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to hurriedly appoint a new permanent coach.
The English-born former Nigeria international who played five games for the Super Eagles between 2005 and 2009, believes it is important to appoint an head coach soon so the players can build chemistry and work towards a clear philosophy.
“I think we’re leaving it too late. A couple of months going into the World Cup qualifiers, not having a manager doesn’t look good at all because it’s not club football. A coach doesn’t see his players as often as he would love to because it’s international football. It’s so sad that we don’t see how important preparation is to these games,” Sodje said in quotes revealed by Sports 247.
Sodje, 44, spoke about Nigeria’s outing at the AFCON 2023, underscoring the lack of technicality as the reason the team failed to win the title in Ivory Coast.
“We played against South Africa and the only way teams can touch us at the moment is technical know-how. If we are sound technically, I don’t think anyone in Africa can touch us,” the former Notts County defender added.
Finidi George was appointed the interim coach of the Super Eagles during the March International break, bagging a win over Ghana and a loss to Mali.
Nigeria will play two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games against South Africa and Benin Republic in June this year.
By: Pascal Amoah
