It’s back to regular programming for the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and the Super Eagles.
A coaching fiasco that will be salvaged by a familiar interim manager.
The NFF embarrassed themselves by announcing Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach without actually agreeing the fine details of a contract.
Of course, it all fell apart, due to a disagreement over payment of taxes.
In comes their favourite fire fighter – Augustine ‘Cerezo’ Eguavoen. This is his fourth stint in the role and his immediate task will be the two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
“Cerezo is returning as an interim manager. So to be honest, I really don’t have a lot of thoughts about it,” Nwosu Michael Izuchukwu, a podcaster and digital marketer, tells DAILY POST.
“I just hope they’re not thinking of turning it into a permanent basis. Because that option has not worked out for us three times in the past.
“And it is not going to change now, especially when you consider that we have arguably the best team on the continent at the moment. So we should be arming ourselves for the best possible chance at success.
“That starts by getting the right manager to coach the boys and find the right balance for all that talent and firepower that we’re blessed with at the moment.”
Apart from the drama around the coaching appointment, the lead-up to Saturday’s game against Benin, has been overshadowed by Victor Osimhen’s transfer debacle.
Osimhen was only able to join up with the rest of the squad after he completed an exit – temporary as it stands – from Napoli.
The 25-year-old was able to join Galatasaray on loan until June
Another of his compatriots, Ademola Lookman, was left out of at least two match day squads at Atalanta, amid links with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
One wonders if they are fully settled and focused on this weekend’s fixture.
“It’s my prayer that it doesn’t, because the noise will be there for sure and we both know that the media stays needing clicks.
“So they will definitely be looking for quotes and all of that. But I pray that the boys can quiet the noise and focus on playing good football first.
“I’m happy Victor finally found a club at least for the 2024/2025 season and seeing Lookman get a Ballon D’or nod after that fantastic season fills me with so much joy and pride,” Izuchukwu adds.
So what should be expected from the Super Eagles against Gernot Rohr’s men in Uyo?
Don’t forget that under Rohr, the Cheetahs have already defeated Nigeria this year.
The German masterminded a historic 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles in June.
Speaking ahead of the game, Rohr said: “Nigeria is not a conquered territory, far from it.
“We beat Nigeria three months ago, they will certainly have a spirit of revenge which can be important and that is normal.”
That time, the three-time African champions were coached by Finidi George.
Will Rohr complete a stunning double on Nigeria’s home turf?
“Honestly, I don’t know what to expect,” Izuchukwu admits
“But if we field our best players who in turn go out there and fight for the badge, then I believe we will be okay and can get that all important win.”
Nigeria vs Benin: Eguavoen makes fourth return amid Rohr’s revenge mission
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