The recent poor performance of the senior national team of Nigeria has drawn a reaction from the federal government of Nigeria via the minister for youth and sports Senator John Enoh, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
In a parley with the media as he marks his 100 days in office, Enoh said even though the team hasn’t done well under coach Jose Peseiro particularly the poor start to the world cup qualifiers, sacking the coach won’t be the best option.
He said less emotions should be attached to making decisions like that especially with the AFCON set to begin on the 14th of January in 2024. He however suggested that a decision can be deferred till after the end of the tournament as it affords the football house time to take a proper decision as the world cup qualifiers won’t resume until June.
“As a Minister, I am concerned that the Nigeria national team is not delivering, not meeting up with our expectations. AFCON is so close that we need to be careful in what decisions we take, but the next qualification rounds for the World Cup, the next match is in June, so it gives us something you know to take decisions going forward.
“AFCON is going to start on the 14th of January. Are we for example going to request to fire the Nigerian Coach I mean the answer is as good as mine.
“I have found out that in this sector; there are passions and emotions. Where you are seated and where I am providing leadership, you don’t respond, you know you are not driven by passions and emotions. No, you take your time,” he said.
Speaking on the steps he will take to address the poor performance he said a meeting has been set up with the coach after his meeting with the NFF and the technical department of the football body.
“I am happy to report that just about yesterday or two days ago I had a meeting with the NFF President, Secretary and the Technical Department of NFF regarding the Super Eagles,” he revealed.
“What we came out of that is that you know I’ve had to request that the coach is summoned and I think at some point next week there’s going to be an engagement with the coach.
“All of that is trying to respond to the outcome of these matches, especially the world cup qualifying games.”
Ade Emmanuel
