One of Nigeria’s veteran Sports Journalists, Desmond Ekwueme has made a compelling argument for appointing and supporting homegrown coaches in Nigeria’s football development. He cites the example of France’s successful approach in appointing former players like Didier Deschamps and Thierry Henry to lead national teams, highlighting the importance of experience, trust, and patriotism in football development.
Ekwueme emphasizes looking inward and utilizing Nigeria’s talented coaches rather than relying on foreign coaches. He also stresses the importance of addressing issues like ethnic and religious biases, disciplinary measures and supporting homegrown coaches to create a successful and proud Super Eagles team.
He went further, “Didier Deschamps has been Les Bleu’s gaffer since 2012. The former France captain led the team to lift the Russia 2018 World Cup and were runners-up in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Henry Thierry is the present France U-21 Coach. He is equally leading the France Olympics team as the country hosts the 2024 Olympics”.
“Two legends who were teammates both at the club and the France national team. They won France ’98 and the Euro 2000 Championship. One is a defensive midfielder and the other is a prolific forward. Together with the rest of that historic squad, they ruled the world”.
“The French Football Federation didn’t make any mistake in appointing both accomplished footballers who were teammates at Juventus of Italy to lead two of France’s most important national teams”.
“Ordinarily, this is the way to go. Appointing and supporting ex-internationals to handle the various national teams and succeed. This is how to encourage homegrown coaches and how best to develop football domestically”.
“Running down your best hands to employ foreigners is self-destruct. It is unpatriotic and should be discouraged especially when we have the personnel or manpower. All we need do is expunge ethnic, religious, and selfish interests to push for national growth”.
“Stop laying landmines for your homegrown coaches. Stop using players as tools for booby traps for Indigenous coaches by turning blind eyes when the players err. Take decisive disciplinary measures against errant players…and we would have the Super Eagles of our dreams, the Super Eagles we would be proud of”.