Emeka Ezeugo Photo: Sun News Publishing

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When Berti Vogts was hired to coach the Super Eagles, Emeka Ezeugo had predicted that the German would fail. His prediction found clear definition at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana where the Eagles crashed out in the quarterfinal to the disappointment of many.

The former Super Eagles’ utility player, who has been popular in recent times for his bold stance on issues bordering on Nigerian football, has maintained that no foreign coach could guide the Nigerian team to glory as much as he could if only the authorities concerned would hazard entrusting him with the Super Eagles’ job.

With the nation’s football hitting the lowest ebb following the Eagles’ fall in Ghana, there has been an unprecedented jostling for the Eagles’ job by former national team players especially, with perceived loss of confidence in foreign coaches.
Among the list of ex-internationals who have indicated interest to manage the Eagles include the duo of Stephen Keshi and Sunday Oliseh, both of who have captained the team at different times. Others linked with the plum job are Dan ‘The Bull’ Amokachi, Samson Siasia and Austin Eguavoen, who is currently serving as an assistant coach in the team.

But Ezeugo, who played alongside all the above mentioned names in the senior national team, believes that he is best equipped technically, to deliver on the job than any of his contemporaries.
"I have no blames to apportion to any quarter for the Super Eagles’ disappointing outing at the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. I deal with prevention so that no cure would be required," the man nicknamed ‘Super Eagles’ Destroyer’ for his utility role in his heyday began in an exclusive mail to Saturday Sunsport from his United States base.

"When Vogts was hired, I told the football family in Nigeria that he would fail, but no one paid heed to my warning. I went on to enlighten my countrymen that the dynamic duo of Arsene Wenger and Alex Fergusson would not do a better job than me as Eagles’ coach. Perhaps, ignorant minds would have laughed at me.

"Let me make it clear once more that these coaches with pale skin, who my countrymen worship, have no refined knowledge of African game, our culture, our players’ disposition, individual football history and the grand diversity in the mix. When the national anthem is on, right before kick-off, they can’t feel the way I feel, or the way any other Nigerian player feels.

"Did you read Vogts’ post-match interview after the loss to Ghana? He had no idea that we could lose to Ghana. And did you read the one he said after we lost to Ivory Coast? He said, "we lost to the best team in Africa." When I read it, I felt a flaming dagger piercing through my soul.
"What an insult and disservice to the array of accomplished players he paraded in Accra. Vogts is lucky that I cancelled my trip to Accra. He was supposed to tell his players that they were the best in Africa, that they could touch the sky, walk through a raging fire and run through a wall."

Ezeugo has a message for his former teammates who are jostling for the Eagles’ job. He said they should consider working with him in the technical crew while he calls the shots.
"Like I said earlier, I deal with prevention. I have read a lot about my colleagues and comrades in the days when Eagles were the supreme predators, when we were ‘SUPER’, jostling to take over the seat Vogts left behind. All I would say is that they should wait in line.

"The powers that be should listen to an ardent scholar of my caliber when I offer any advice. Eagles require a coach with global knowledge of the game. The game has moved on, and I mean, far beyond the level my contemporaries and countrymen can comprehend. Was Augustine Eguavoen not part of the coaching crew in Ghana? Was Ike Shorunmu not part of them?

"The patriotic zeal in me wishes to reach out to Nigerian football authorities with an olive branch. I have the wherewithal to take Nigeria to South Africa, which is no major achievement anyway, but I guarantee my countrymen and the FA honchos that Nigeria will be at the World Cup Final in 2010, the last game of the greatest show on earth, God willing.

"I’m not boasting, but go along without me at Nigeria’s peril. I’m the only indigenous coach that has the capability to put a long-lasting smile on the faces of all Nigerians in 2010. I’m willing to present my case and credentials in a transparent platform, either in a televised debate and interview with all contenders and pretenders present. There, I will convince everyone that I can take our soccer to a whole new world, to a different stratosphere and a level where we have never been to.

"Some people at the NFA have vowed that I will never coach the national team in their tenure, because I criticised them. I have never attacked any of them personally, but sadly, they have taken the issues of concern to every Nigerian personally.
"President Musa Yar’Adua gets criticised daily. It comes with the territory. Otherwise, it’s an unhealthy democracy if every Nigerian sings praises of his administration. We clamour for democracy and all we’ve known, cherished and practiced is totalitarianism. How bizarre!

"The game has moved on, and the challenges of the 21st century have become complex beyond the comprehension of my illustrious compatriots. My teammates can be useful, perhaps, to serve in some capacities with me while I direct and lead Nigerian football to greater height.

"I am appealing to Dr. Amos Adamu and the NFA to entrust me with the responsibility of taking our national team to South Africa. I will tender my six-month target for the team before I commence the journey of ensuring that Eagles soar in higher altitude. And if I fail to achieve my goal, I will resign honourably.
"Nigeria will be in South Africa for the last game’s kick-off, God willing and guaranteed. No white-skinned personality can lift up our fallen football standard. They don’t know where we are coming from," he concluded.