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Reliance on foreigners has stunted growth of African coaches –Nsien

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8 months ago

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US U-19 national team coach, Michael Nsien, who has applied to coach the Super Eagles, tells ‘TANA AIYEJINA about his managerial journey from Tulsa FC, coaching in Africa, his Nigerian roots and more, in this interview.

How has the experience been coaching the US U-16 and U-19 teams?

Working with the best players of a country that’s well over 300 million is a privilege. The sport has gotten its roots in the US and it’s amazing to witness. We can compete and win against anyone in those ages.

How demanding is the job of raising US future football stars?

It’s a very fine balance of keeping players both humble and also inspiring them to take on the world. There’s a lot of work in our process, but the reward is amazing.

Before the USSF appointment, you led Tulsa FC to their most successful era. What was the secret?

Camaraderie, too many times the team turned over players, that was a moment we had good core of players that helped the new players adapt to our style and culture.

The Premier League is every coach’s dream. Would you also like to manage a club there some day?

There’s no point of having small dreams. In this life you do the best you can and see where it takes you. Hopefully it’s to places you want, otherwise enjoy the experiences and the journey along the way.

Black coaches have struggled at the top level of coaching. What do you think is the problem?

The first problem is lack of opportunity. Coaches need to work, make mistakes, improve and go again. Black coaches aren’t getting the first opportunity, the few that have, aren’t getting the second. Also most jobs we seem to get have zero support and no one else wants. But we can’t say no.

African countries prioritise foreign coaches ahead of their local counterparts. How far do you think this has affected the game positively or negatively on the continent?

African countries prefer foreign and older coaches. Most of these foreign coaches are at the end of their careers and looking to collect a few last cheques. You can tell that some of these coaches are not there to make a difference. They are not connected to the country. Once the time runs out and the same results exist they move on. This has stunted the growth of our own coaches who find it hard to find jobs outside.

A local coach won the last AFCON. As a coach, what does imply?

Give, young, hungry coaches  an opportunity and they may deliver if the conditions are right. It won’t be from a lack of effort.

Some say the Super Eagles coaching job is one of the most demanding in the world. If you get a call to manage the squad, will you take it?

It is one of the most demanding for sure. One reason being that there are over 200 million opinions about the coach and team selection and performance. I know I would only thrive with that type of push. As a Nigerian American coach, I definitely believe I can achieve a lot for Nigeria with the talented crop of players we have. I would also do it in the style that Nigerians want to see. Brave, relentless, with flair.

African coaches like Sunday Oliseh, Pitso Mosimane and Ndubuisi Egbo have done great jobs outside Africa, yet coaches from the continent are still not in demand, what do you think is the problem?

We know that we are a population of people that people want to neutralise. The only thing we can do is to keep pushing forward and when the opportunity comes, take it with both hands. Don’t look back.

You’ve applied to coach the Super Eagles. What can you bring to the squad if you are given the job?

 

I could have the squad defensively disciplined, but have the balance better in the attack. We have too many top attacking players to sit back and take pressure. Get the players to be galvanised and feel valued by the federation and within the team, and win.

 

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Gambian High Commissioner, Ooni decorated as SWAN, AIPS unveils International Diplomacy of Food, Music and Culture

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19 hours ago

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November 24, 2024

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Gambian High Commissioner, Ooni decorated as SWAN, AIPS unveils International Diplomacy of Food, Music and Culture

The Smiling Coast of Africa, Gambia and the Giant of Africa, Nigeria, literally aligned recently as Lagos SWAN (Sports Writers Association of Nigeria) and AIPS (International Sports Press Association) unveiled this year’s International Diplomacy and Diversity on Food, Drinks, Music, Culture, Arts, Fashion and Dance fiesta.

The event, held at the Goldview Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was in partnership with the Office of the President of Gambia, UNESCO, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAACC), Sabre, UNDP, NBC, CarolKing Media Ltd (CML), Indomie Noodles, MOL, Gala, National Council for Arts and Culture, SWAN water.

Chief Host and first female chairman of Lagos SWAN (Sports Writer Association of Nigeria) and head, Foreign Relations of Pan African American Chamber of Commerce, Amb. Olatutu Oladunni, said one of the primary objectives of the now annual event was ‘to preserve cultural heritage.’

“Partnership and collaboration on this beautiful cultural initiative will enhance the artistic innovations behind the initiative; it will add hope, values to culture sustainability and livelihood of culture heritage and of course boost creative economy in a better manner,” she stated.

Notably, Global Diplomatic Cultural Awards were conferred on the Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, HE Amb. Mohamadou Musa Njie, who is also Special Guest of Honour; His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eitan Ogunnwusi; Chairman American Aviation Technology Company (SABRE) West /Central Africa, Dr Gabriel Olowo, and late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s first daughter and Yeni Kuti.

DCP Nwogu Martins who represented AIG Adegoke Fayoade was also decorated on his behalf.

Delivering his keynote speech, Amb. Njie stole the show when he told the audience that part of the assimilation strategy he adopted on arriving Nigeria with its diverse and vibrant cultures was to wear Yoruba Attires on Monday, Igbo on Tuesday and Hausa on Wednesday before Gambian on Thursdays and Fridays.

Paying huge tribute to the Nigeria’s Afro-beat industry, Njie stated: “I am passionate about projecting our African culture. It is no secret that our continent is rich in cultural diversity and this can consistently boost trade and tourism.”

 

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Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa Signs Endorsement Deal With Top Bank

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3 days ago

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November 22, 2024

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Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa Signs Endorsement Deal With Top Bank

In a groundbreaking development, Nigerian football sensation Ahmed Musa has formally joined forces with Jaiz Bank, a pioneering non-interest financial institution.

This momentous partnership was sealed during Musa’s visit to Jaiz Bank’s headquarters in Abuja, where he was warmly welcomed as the bank’s newest ambassador.

In a Facebook post by By Abdul A Kaugama, Musa’s affiliation with Jaiz Bank is a testament to his astute financial acumen and commitment to promoting ethical finance. As a long-standing customer of the bank, he has experienced firsthand the benefits of Jaiz Bank’s innovative, non-interest-based financial solutions.

By partnering with Jaiz Bank, Musa aims to inspire his multitude of fans to adopt a more prudent and Shariah-compliant approach to financial management.

“I am ecstatic to announce my ambassadorship with Jaiz Bank,” Musa exclaimed. “This esteemed institution shares my passion for empowering individuals and communities through financial inclusion and education. I am honored to be part of this remarkable journey and look forward to collaborating with Jaiz Bank to make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.”

The synergy between Ahmed Musa and Jaiz Bank heralds a new era of financial empowerment and growth. As Musa embarks on this exciting partnership, his fans and well-wishers eagerly anticipate the innovative initiatives and projects that will emerge from this collaboration.

 

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AFCON: More Controversy As Libya Accused Super Eagles Of Deliberate Lost To Rwanda

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3 days ago

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November 22, 2024

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AFCON: More Controversy As Libya Accused Super Eagles Of Deliberate Lost To Rwanda

Libya have accused the Super Eagles of throwing their final home game against Rwanda in a 2025 AFCON qualifier so that they will not qualify for the continental tournament next year.

Libya have stoked more fire in the growing enmity between them and Nigeria after CAF last month awarded a botched AFCON qualifier to the Super Eagles.

Libya Akhbar newspaper reported that the Super Eagles 2-1 loss to Rwanda in Uyo left a lot of questions.

“On the other side of the group, Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to Rwanda on home ground added more controversy, especially since the result raised doubts about Nigeria’s intentions in this encounter,” the Libyan newspaper reported.

“The match between Nigeria and Rwanda was a shock to the Libyan fans.

“The fans expected a comfortable win for Nigeria, which would have kept Libya’s hopes alive if they defeated Benin. However, the scenario was contrary to expectations.

“Nigeria’s one-goal lead turned into a two-goal loss, as if the Green Eagles had abandoned their competitive spirit.

“The scene raised many questions in sports circles: Did Nigeria deliberately lose to eliminate Libya?”

However, Libya also failed to beat Benin at home to end any hopes to qualifying for the 2025 AFCON.

They face more sanctions after Benin complained that they were attacked after the scoreless draw in Tripoli Tuesday night.

 

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