Nigerian Coaches Not Good for Eagles- Babayaro

Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Babayaro does not believe any “Nigerian coach” is ripe for the national team job.

He singles out “sentiment” as the major problem affecting indigenous coaches, regardless of their level of experience.

“It has nothing to do with their ability as coaches,” Babayaro said. “As coaches they may be terrific, but I have always maintained, an average Nigerian myself inclusive, we are sentimental people and football and sentiments they don’t go together.”

Babayaro added that he was never convinced from the onset that Stephen Keshi was the right man for the Super Eagles job. The 52-year-old has often times being criticised for his selection policies.

Stephen Keshi's Contract Renewal Talk Has been Put On Hold Pending the NFF Elective Congress Slated for Not Later Than September 25.
Stephen Keshi’s Contract Renewal Talk Has been Put On Hold Pending the NFF Elective Congress Slated for Not Later Than September 25.

“I don’t think Keshi is the man for the job. I never thought any Nigerian coach is the right person for the Eagles,” he opined.

“That is why we have this situation where Keshi never invites the best hands, for one sentimental reason or the other. On a good day, somebody else without sentiment would have invited every other person.

“We have to bring the players. They will create competition which at the end of the day makes every other player better.”