By Jacob Ajom
The qualification for Super Eagles manager’s job demands much more than having the technical expertise as a football coach, the Nigeria Football Federation supremo, Amaju Pinnick has said.

Pinnick

Speaking with reporters at the Onikan stadium, Lagos during the final of the 2016 GTBank Masters Cup at the weekend, Pinnick said, “It is not just about having the technical abilities. A good manager must also have other qualities such as having the desired charisma, how he relates with his players on and off the pitch, he is also expected to be like a father; a mentor, and and a model to these players”.

He said he had always prayed for a Nigerian coach to handle the national team but emphasised that that is not, by any means closing the door on foreigners who meet the criteria. “For now everything remains temporary. I want to plead for the understanding of all Nigerians that whoever is eventually picked for the Super Eagles manager’s job will be in the best interest of Nigerian football,” Pinnick quipped, adding, “we all want the best for Nigeria.”

He also spoke on the “fantastic outing” of the Super Eagles in the recent friendlies with Mali and Luxembourg last month. “We saw a glimpse of the dream Super Eagles we have all been yearning for. It was a set of young and ambitious players who showed hunger and thirst for victory. They were purposeful and the atmosphere in the camp was exceptionally friendly.

“Without any big name, the boys achieved fantastic results. It was not just about the victories, but the way they played. ‘’

The NFF boss said all hands were on deck to ensure Nigeria secured the services of foreign-based stars earmarked for the Olympics. “We are working round the clock for their release but the clubs would have the last say. Our approach is subtle because even FIFA does not make it compulsory for clubs to release players for the Olympics.