Former Dream Team (Nigeria men’s U-23) Samson Siasia talks tough about the welfare of local coaches in Nigeria national teams; npflupdates.com reports.
Siasia post active football ventured into football management, and was arguably one of the best local coaches of Nigerian extraction.
During his first stint with the Dream (men’s U-23) he got to the finals of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Helping Nigeria to win its first ever Olympics silver medal.
Also read: Sam Sodje : NFF Isn’t Taking The 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Very Serious
And during his second stint with the dream team, he helped Nigeria secure its first ever Olympics Bronze medal in Rio.
Speaking about the treatment of local coaches by the NFF, Siasia cited partiality when compared with their foreign counterparts.
What Siasia said about local coaches
“They didn’t give Nigeria people [local coaches] four years, you lose one match they [NFF] fire you. That’s the truth. The white people will come, you give them [more time], [and] you pay them more money.” Siasia said on Athlst and was quoted by Soccernet Nigeria.
Supporting Siasia’s claim, former Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro recalled, “We had a white person that came, after he lost, not only did the NFF increase money, they also sent him on a coaching course.”
Siasia responded, saying, “And we, they won’t send us anywhere and they want us to be better.”
“They will pay the white man $50,000 monthly, and pay local hires ₦1,000,000. From the million naira, the coaching staff will also take inside, and you also have to feed your family.” he added.
In another story, PAOK defender, William Troost-Ekong has called for the recruitment of a local coach as Super Eagles coach.
According to the former Watford FC defender, some good teams in Africa are doing well with a local coach at the helm of affairs.
“I think that will be the ideal situation for our team to be honest,” William told Nigeria legend Segun Odegbami, on his radio station, Eagles 7 103.7FM, on Saturday morning.
“I said that because i have seen Senegal for example, what they achieve with their coach. Ivory Coast now, they changed their coach at the middle of the tournament.
“There is something that has to be said about a coach understanding about a culture of a country, players and daily route having been there before as a player, playing at the AFCON.”
Speaking further, the former Udinese Calcio player, highlighted that he has no issues with a foreign coach being appointed.
“But on the other side, I can’t dismiss having a foreign coach because my experience under Gernot Rohr was so very good. We went to the World Cup and AFCON semi finals in Egypt.
“Under Jose Peseiro, there was a lot of criticisms before the tournament and the year leading after it. And for him to take us to the AFCOn final, it’s a lot of achievement for him.
“For me, I like to think beyond nationalities and political positions. I like to think whatever decision that will be made will be the best for the team.”
Speaking on speculations that foreign-based players do not accord necessary respect to local coaches, the former Salernitana Calcio defender said:
Also read: Siasia : Sadiq Umar Is Outstanding, He Can Win Nigeria The 2023 AFCON
”It doesn’t matter if it’s a Nigerian coach or Foreign coach for as long as the Super Eagles can win an AFCON trophy or go further in the World Cup like they have never done before. Then it will be a success for everybody.
“I think from my experience in the changing rooms, I don’t think there is a level of respect change. I think every manager has their own authority. I think there is always a thin line where you have to work between close to a group, and being manager of a group.”
