Kpakor welcomes Finidi, demands inclusion of home-based players

A former international midfielder, Moses Kpakor, has hailed the appointment of Finidi George as a right step in the right direction. On Monday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) acting on the recommendation of its technical committee announced the appointment of the former international as the head coach of the Super Eagles. Since then, Nigerian football […]

A former international midfielder, Moses Kpakor, has hailed the appointment of Finidi George as a right step in the right direction.

On Monday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) acting on the recommendation of its technical committee announced the appointment of the former international as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

Since then, Nigerian football stakeholders have been reacting to the appointment with some expressing their reservations over his technical competence.

However, speaking exclusively to Daily Trust on Thursday, Kpakor who made a name in the colours of the then Green Eagles when he effectively policed Algerian danger man, Rabah Madjer at the 1990 AFCON in Algeria, said Finidi may not be the best but he is right choice for the job.

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According to the former BCC Lions and Abiola Babes star player, Finidi who was part of the Super Eagles technical crew at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire understands the players more than other coaches who applied for the position.

“I am so happy for the appointment of Finidi George. Well, not because I feel he was the most qualified. Rather he is suited for the job because he was with the Super Eagles that just finished second at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, as such he knows the players more than a newcomer who will start from the scratch.

“His appointment is what we call continuity and thumbs up to the NFF and best wishes to Coach Finidi George,” he said.

Kpakor also said George, who doubles as the coach of Nigeria’s most successful club, Enyimba FC, should encourage talented players in the domestic league to fight for shirts in the Super Eagles.

He said although he will be happy to see local players in the team, such invitations should be based on merit.

“Some of us played for the Super Eagles as home-based players. We were preferred to most of those based abroad because we were better.

“I hope Finidi who is a coach in the NPFL will deem it necessary to give opportunities to the best legs in the league to play for the Super Eagles.

“At the moment, Nigerian clubs are not doing well in the continent but that is not enough for anyone to conclude that there is a dearth of talent in the domestic league,” he said.