Posted by By Fidelis Ebu on
President Olusegun Obasanjo has finally given his approval for the hiring of a foreign Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles to ensure the country's participation in next year's Germany 2006 World Cup finals.
President Olusegun Obasanjo has finally given his approval for the hiring of a foreign Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles to ensure the country's participation in next year's Germany 2006 World Cup finals. This is coming on the heels of the suspension slammed on Coach Christian Chukwu by the NFA following the Eagles' floppy performance against Angola in Kano last Saturday.
The foreign Technical Adviser, whose nationality is still being shrouded in secrecy, is expected to pilot the fumbling Super Eagles in the remaining qualifying matches to realise their World Cup finals dream. The Sports and Social Development Minister, Colonel Musa Mohammed disclosed these yesterday in Abuja during the draws for this year's FA Cup, which kicks off on June 29 with the final scheduled for August 31 in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
'I know most of you gathered here were worried over the outcome of last Saturday's World Cup qualifier between our Super Eagles and Angola in Kano. We're still hot in the race", said Colonel Mohammed; a statement that was not amusing to those gathered for the FA Cup draws.
Continuing, he said, 'I spoke with Mr. President on the need for a foreign Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles. As you are aware, Mr. President is always listening to every demand. He has given the go-ahead for the hiring of a foreign Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles. He (the foreign Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles) will take over from Austin Eguavoen, whom the Nigeria Football Association has asked to take over as the team's new coach". The Sports Minister, however, did not specify on which part of the globe the search light for the Super Eagles new Technical Adviser would beam.
Still licking the wounds of last Saturday's draw in Kano, Col Mohammed announced a 10-man Committee to investigate the causes of the floppy performance of the Eagles in the encounter. Though he did not give details of the composition of the committee members, he said the NFA chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, the acting Secretary General of the NFA, Fanny Amu and other notable sports administrators would be part of the committee. The committee has been given five days within which to submit its report.