Four-times Super Eagles chief coach, Shaibu Amodu, has again returned to the Nigeria Football Federation this time as the new Technical Director of the country’s national teams.
NFF’s Director of Communication, Mr Ademola Olajire disclosed that the executive committee of the federation has approved and ratified Mr Amodu’s recommendation as the new Technical Director.
“The country has opted for arguably the most successful Nigerian coach and this has been done with the blessings of everyone involved in football,” Olajire said.
The choice of Amodu has not come as a surprise after the NFF shelved plans to appoint Belgian Tom Saintfiet as the country’s technical director in June 2012.
Nigerian sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi hinted then that if was felt there were many competent Nigerians with strong knowledge of grassroots football in the country who were better suited for the role of a technical director.
The 55-year-old, who has previously managed the national team on four different occasions, will be assisted by Kashimawo Laloko and James Peters.
As part of his brief, Amodu will oversee the country’s national teams for every age group.
Despite his remarkable achievements as Super Eagles coach, Amodu has had a turbulent relationship with the fans and his employers.
Under his stewardship, Nigeria qualified the country for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but Amodu was sacked despite the team’s third-place finish at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
It was the second time he had been removed from his post ahead of a World Cup finals tournament – Amodu was also fired ahead of the 2002 edition after Nigeria finished third at the 2002 Nations Cup in Mali.
Despite guiding Nigeria to the semi-finals the team’s style of play, his tactics and key decisions were all questioned during these tournaments.
But it seems that any issues have now been resolved and Amodu revealed his hopes for the future.
“It’s a call to serve the nation. I hope we can all come together and drive our football in a positive direction,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NFF also assured Nigerians that it is working hard and in harmony with coach Stephen Keshi to ensure Nigeria qualify for the World Cup finals in Brazil next year, as well to perform well in Confederations Cup – also in Brazil – in June.
“The role is an important one as it serves as the fundamental for the country’s football. We need the support of everyone to excel,” he noted.
