Jacob Ajom

Just last weekend, news broke out that the Imo state government had offered Coach Samson Siasia a fresh two-year deal to continue with Heartland Football Club of Owerri after the expiration of the initial six month deal in December.

Although Siasia who took over from Kelechi Emetoele could not lead them to the semi final of the CAF Champions League, the government was said to have expressed satisfaction with “the transformation” the team had witnessed and strongly felt a long-term contract with Siasia would put the club on a better footing.

“The results were not forthcoming this year for the club, but the Governor is convinced that Siasia has made a positive impact on the club going by their performances in all their matches,” a top government official said.
Siasia will now be given the chance to recruit new players for the new season.

This vote of confidence in Siasia is coming at a time when the coach’s chances of getting to handle the national team were appearing dimmer by the day.

Siasia would by now have assumed as the chief coach of the Eagles if Dominic Iorfa remained in charge of Technical Committee of the Football Federation. His board had discussed with the coach and only personal terms were yet to be sorted out. An eclipse in the football house saw Sani Lulu and some key members of his executive impeached.

Then entered Aminu Maigari. The former Bauchi FA chairman has since thrown the Eagles job open and asked other competent contenders to show intention in the job.

“We want to be transparent in this whole thing,” Maigari told Sports Vanguard. Siasia may not get the Eagles job as it were, as Maigari’s statement has engendered a lot of reactions from very strong contenders.

Stephen Keshi, a former international and proven coach of great ability has since indicated interest in handling the Eagles. Eguavoen who had since been assigned to the Olympic squad but is handling the senior team on a care-taker basis is gradually beginning to win sympathy from many to take full control of the Eagles.

Former Nigerian international and one time Rangers International player, Kenneth Boardman, the uncertainty surrounding the appointment of the next coach for the Eagles must stop forthwith.

“It is a big disincentive because a coach who knows he is leaving any moment after the next match may not be motivated. I think they should tidy things up and give the job to whoever they want. Keshi, Sisia or Eguavoen, any of them can handle the team,” Boardman said.

The Imo state government’s offer could therefore become a very realistic plan B for Siasia if he fails to get the Eagles job.