Reading coach Siasia’s mind

Before he was appointed, Nigerian football fans did not hid their overwhelming endorsement of the former Flying Eagles and National U-23 coach who had proved his technical abilities at the youth level. Siasia is said to have demonstrated enough ingenuity in discovering and nurturing unknown players into great stars. In addition, he was able to […]

Before he was appointed, Nigerian football fans did not hid their overwhelming endorsement of the former Flying Eagles and National U-23 coach who had proved his technical abilities at the youth level. Siasia is said to have demonstrated enough ingenuity in discovering and nurturing unknown players into great stars.

In addition, he was able to win most Nigerians over to his side when he bluntly refused to accept John Mikel Obi into his U-23 team after the young prodigy turned down his invitation to play in the Beijing 2008 Olympic qualifiers. No amount of pressure changed his mind as he went to the Olympics without the Chelsea midfielder but succeeded in achieving the desired results using available players. For those who believe Eagles players need a disciplinarian, Siasia became their hero instantly.

Consequently, the moment coach Lars Lagerback threw in the towel after disappointing appearance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Siasia who is highly rated among African coaches was tipped by many to step into the shoes of the Swede.

Unfortunately, the former NFF Executive Committee for inexplicable reasons appeared not favourably disposed to giving the job to Siasia. Inside sources said the Lulu led board was uncomfortable with Siasia because he is said to be too independent minded and may chose to bite the finger that wanted to “feed” him.

When former NFF Executive Committee member, Mr. Dominic Iorfa took over as acting chairman of the Technical Committee, he in his down to earth nature did not hide his position on Siasia as Eagles chief coach. While contract negations with the coach were nearing completion, it was time for 2010 NFF elections and everybody to go in search of a return ticket to the NFF board and so Siasia’s issue was shelved.

Even as the hullaballoo over the 2010 NFF election lasted, Nigerians continued to advocate for the appointment of Siasia as Eagles coach. At a stage the name of Coach Amodu Shaibu was flashed but Nigerians stuck their anointed coach.

It was therefore a surprise to many that instead of announce the name of the Bayelsa State born football tactician as Eagles coach, the name of another former international Stephen Keshi was shortlisted along with him. Despite Keshi’s intimidating credentials having qualified Togo for their first World Cup, Nigerians remained adamant on their choice.

It was therefore a thing of joy  for those with unflinching belief in Siasia that after so much dilly dallying on the side of the NFF; he was eventually appointed Eagles chief coach. Ever since his appointment, Nigerian football fans have been reading his mind with ecstasy.

Among the things Nigerians believe is currently running through the mind of the young, dynamic and pragmatic coach is how to cope with the weight of expectations from those who stood solidly by him in his trying moments.

Siasia will have to justify the huge confidence reposed in him by crazy football fans. He knows that the last thing Nigerians will accept from him is excuses for failure. Siasia is a Nigerian and he knows that the same Nigerians who are today singing his hallelujah are the same people who will shout crucify him, crucify him if he fails to deliver.

What is uppermost on the minds of most Nigerian football fans is a new Super Eagles. The fans have been starved of exciting football and they want to see new Eagles that will play and win convincingly without exposing them to excruciating rounds of permutations.

Thus, one of the things running through Siasia’s mind is how to quench the thirst of Nigerian football fans by injecting into the senior national team youthful players who can match opponents’ skills for skills and strength for strength. Already he has talked about introducing offensive style which without an iota of doubt is to end the sleep inducing play introduced by the present Eagles.

Siasia said: “During my interview with the NFF Technical Committee, I told them my short and long term vision for the Super Eagles as well as the 2012 Africa Nations Cup.

“I also told them that we have to look at the areas we have to inject new players.

“We don’t want to say we are going to ask all the old players to leave. But we have to look at the areas we think we have to inject new players.

The above clearly explains that what is in the mind of the new coach is to uncover hitherto unknown talented players at home and abroad and then blend them with few of the older Eagles who are still relevant.

As one who does not believe in sentiments in his selection of players, it can be concluded rightly that players like Joseph Yobo, Danny Shittu, Yusuf Ayilla, Taiye Taiwo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Austin Ejide, Martins Obafemi, John Utaka, Chidi Odiah and a host of other over used Eagles may not survive the impending purge.

Except Siasia changes his mind, the bulk of the Beijing 2008 dream Team which emerged from the 2005 FIFA U-20 team will form the nucleus of the new Super Eagles. Nigerians will be pleasantly surprised to see the resurrection of some of the immensely talented players who have been abandoned for no good reasons.