*Says N5m too small for Siasia

By Richard Animam

Former Super Eagles  and Auxere of France defender Pastor Taribo West has faulted the selection process for the Super Eagles Chief Coach job by the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Association, NFA.

siasia

He believes the NFA disrespected both Samson Siasia and Stephen Keshi   by interviewing both coaches like new comers in the game.

West said it was not proper for the FA to have done that, stating that they could have made up their mind and announce the coach of their choice, instead of embarrassing both  coaches, by subjecting them to interviews.

“Everywhere in the world that is the norm. The FAs  have choices of coaches. They approach their first choice and if that does not work out they go for the second choice. But here in Nigeria, we do things in the opposite way.

Siasia is a friend and a wonderful person, so also is Keshi.  Both men have proven their worth in and outside the country, they should not have been treated  like nobodies by the NFA,”he said.

West however, lauded the NFA for their choice of  Siasia, stating that the Heartland of Owerri coach knows what to do to get results but appealed to the football house not to rush Siasia into getting early results.
“Siasia and Keshi are good coaches but now that Siasia has been handed the job, he should be given time to work.

Nobody should expect early results from him, because I believe he would want to completely overhaul the team. As we know, we do not have a Super Eagles team, so it will take some time for him to build one and patience should be the watchword”, Taribo said.

Again, West described the remuneration given to Siasia as peanuts compared to what Swede coach Lars Lagerback earned while in the country.

“It is a shame that we belittle ourselves. What is wrong with paying Siasia more that they paid Lagerback. I think the N5million they offered is too small and should be reconsidered. I believe we should start to respect ourselves, improving Siasia’s package will be a good way to start”, he said.

On his advice for the new Super Eagles coach, West  said he has none for Siasia because the ex international knows exactly what he wants to achieve with the new team. According to him, Siasia is a knowledgeable coach and should be given the chance to work.