Nigerian Football
Continental football coaching body upbeat after an exciting 2021
The leadership of the Football Coaches Association of African Nations (FCAAN) has expressed satisfaction with the body’s output for the year 2021 and has declared that it has great expectations for the coming year, which promises to be highly exciting with the Africa Cup of Nations for both men and women, global youth women tournaments and the FIFA World Cup finals for men.
Speaking from his base in the United States of America, FCAAN President, Dr Terry Babatunde Eguaoje averred that organizing six courses of different grades across the federation in the outgoing year was a huge improvement on the state of paralysis imposed by the novel coronavirus pandemic in the year 2020.
“During the year 2020, we had to see what we could do through online services as the ban on public and social gatherings made seminars and workshops impossible. Based off that fact, we have to be grateful for what have been able to achieve this year, even as we are confident of doing better in year 2022.
“Our focus next year would be on higher-grade courses as we focus hard on our vision of building a large population of coaches who have sound, correct education and are attuned to modern methods and techniques, which will help to improve the standard of the game in Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” said Eguaoje, who is also Consultant on Coaching and Development to the Nigeria Football Federation.
FCAAN’s resolve and commitment to its vision ensured that it explored and exploited online training possibilities and opportunities even during the lockdowns and restrictions of the pandemic period.
“We kept going by doing online programmes and we thank our able resource persons for their quick adaption and flexibility. Much knowledge was imparted during the period. It helped us to keep the momentum of several years and go full throttle when the restrictions were lifted.”
Eguaoje added: “This year, we had one D course, one E course and two F courses in Lagos, one F course in Port Harcourt and one C course in Akure. A total of six courses in all.
“All these could not have been possible without the active support and endorsement of the Nigeria Football Federation. We are grateful for the NFF President and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the entire NFF Board and the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi. We aim to do even better in the year 2022 with their support and understanding.”
At the end of the D course in Lagos, Coach of Nigeria Women Premier League side FC Robo Queens, Emmanuel Osahon said: “I thought I knew so much about coaching, but attending the course showed me that I have so much ground to cover. I just can’t wait for the C course.”
After the C course in Akure, Head Coach of Nigeria Professional Football League side, Wikki Tourists FC, Kabiru Dogo had this to say: “I have been a top-flight coach for a long time but what I have learnt here shows that FCAAN has so much to offer.”
First Vice President of the NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who as Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association has played host to four different FCAAN programmes within the year, stated: “What FCAAN is doing will help us build our football identity again.”
On his part, Eguaoje is full of praises for both established and upcoming coaches who have seen reason to enhance capacity through quality education in modern methods and techniques. “The future of our football will be assured if coaches don’t shy away from regular courses and are ready to apply the knowledge gained to improve the standard of the game.”
Nigerian Football
Remo Stars win Star War against Sunshine Stars to take temporary NPFL lead
Remo Stars on Saturday made it two straight wins in the Nigeria Premier League after labouring to a 1-0 defeat of Sunshine Stars of Akure to follow-up their last weekend 2-0 away win over Abia Warriors.
On Saturday, under eight minutes they shot ahead through Shuaibu Ibrahim. That was where the story ended as Sunshine Stars came up strongly and almost stalemated scores.
The win, though narrow, is enough to temporarily take Remo Stars to the top of the log after two games.
They are followed by Rivers United who beat Heartland 3-1. It is the second consecutive 3-1 loss that Heartland are getting in the two-week old season.
The situation could change on Sunday when other matches are played.
On the card are: Akwa United hosting Abia Warriors while Kano Pillars will be away to Bayelsa United.
Katsina United host Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes will be home to Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars will host Plateau United.
Nigerian Football
Westerhof recommends Siasia for Super Eagles’ job
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, who was in Arnhem, Netherlands.
Former Nigeria manager, Clemens Westerhof has recommended one of his former players, Samson Siasia as the substantial coach for the Super Eagles.
Siasia was one of his players of the famed golden generation of the Super Eagles.
“I called him last month to greet him for his birthday and also to celebrate with him for the end of his five-year ban”, Westerhof told Sports Village Square at his house in Arnhem in the Netherlands.
According to him, Siasia is just like Keshi and that he has the capacity to turn the Super Eagles around for the better. Westerhof, the author of the famed ‘Golden Generation’ of the Super Eagles made his suggestion shortly after Germany’s Bruce Labbadia turned down the Nigerian job offer.
Westerhof remarked that he was surprised about the choice of Labbadia in the first instance and that the now Mali coach, Tom Saintfiet who is his friend could have been a better choice.
Saintfiet, a Belgian, was speculated among the coaches initially short-listed for the Super Eagles’ job. But Westerhof, before the naming of Austin Eguavoen, another member of his famous 1994 squad, strongly back Siasia for the job.
He remarked that he was in touch with the former striker as well as Austin Okocha whom he met with in London recently.
To Westerhof, Siasia has the same quality like Stephen Keshi to handle the Super Eagles. “He has done it before and I think he can still do it.”
Nigerian Football
Plateau United’s Doyeni is first scorer of Season 2024/25
The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.
The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.
Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65th , 70th and 73rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.
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