The Sun News On-line

Minister of Sports and Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC), Barrister Abdulrahman Hassan Gimba, has charged Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Amodu Shuaibu, to be firm in the handling of the national team.

Speaking after the new Super Eagles coaches were presented to him in his office, the Minister urged Amodu to look inward in selecting the players to be called to camp, adding that he expects the coaches to comb the country in search of talents.

“Although, you cannot buy experience and exposure, but it is my directive that you comb Nigeria to discover players, who are ready to die for their country. Get a mixture of the youth and old.
“Nigeria is too big to be held hostage by a few players, no matter who they are. Don’t be afraid, be very technical and tactful. Don’t allow yourself to be dictated to by anyone. Be your own man”, he stated.

Barrister Gimba wished the coaches’ good luck in their new assignment, which he considers a very big one, adding that football is the most contentious business in Nigeria.
He stated that the job is such that you don’t lose even one match before you become a villain “if you lose, all the good things you did will crash overnight”.
The minister urged the coaches to do their job well and excel, stressing that Nigeria has the capacity and capability to reach great height in football.

Responding, Amodu Shuaibu thanked the minister for the candid advise, stating that they (Coaches) were representing the Nigerian Coaches Association (NCA) and that what they do of the job determined the future of Nigerian Coaches.

“We shall do everything possible to lift the Super Eagles and meet the target set for us. The job is a challenge which we have accepted and God willing, we shall succeed”, he stated.
Earlier, the NFA Secretary General, Bolaji Ojo-Oba, had introduced the coaches to the minister after explaining that the coaches have all signed a document to meet the set target.
He said the coaches would be unveiled on Friday in Abuja.