The insistence on foreign assistants by Finidi George, the recently appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, is met with approval from Amaju Pinnick, the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
To assist him in his role as Super Eagles coach, Finidi, reportedly declined the opportunity to work with some of his former players. Instead, he is seeking the employment of foreign assistants.
In an interview with Arise TV, Pinnick stated that Finidi is free to choose his assistants and added that this is not the first time a local coach has used international help.
He said; “For his assistants, it is very tricky. It is normal for him to demand foreign assistants if he desires them.
“Bonfrere Jo was a foreign assistant to Westerhof and later took over the job. Oliseh had a foreign assistant, and Siasia had a foreign assistant. It is not new, and it is not bad for him to demand the same.
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“Finidi is well equipped; he played for Ajax, and they over there have developmental football mentoring in kicking the ball, trapping, and all that. I think he is well-positioned for the job.
Pinnick stated that although Emmanuel Amunike is technically sound as well, the Super Eagles will gain more from Finidi’s arrival in order to ensure a smooth transition from Jose Peseiro.
He said, “For Amuneke, he is also technically sound, but I am talking of the seamless transition from Peseiro; it will benefit the team much for Finidi to have the job and thank God he is there.
“Backroom staffing is more scientific right now. If he says he needs three backroom assistants, perhaps one for goalkeeper training, the others are for other positions.
“The assistant coaches are the engine room of the success of any coach because they see what the coach can’t see.
“But then, it depends on funding from the federation, but I think it is not out of place. Finidi should be allowed to do what he wants to do. But if there is a paucity of funds, they can discuss it with him.” Pinnick added.