Khadiri Ikhana, former Super Eagles defender and ex-Enyimba head coach, has thrown his weight behind Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi, and Abdu Maikaba as the ideal coaches to lead Nigeria’s U-23 Olympic Team and U-20 Flying Eagles.
In an exclusive interview with Completesports.com, the 74-year-old Ikhana insisted the trio possesses the required experience and track record to revive Nigeria’s age-grade teams — but only if the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) stays out of player selection.
“I believe any or all of them are good enough to handle the junior national teams,” Ikhana told Completesports.com.
“They are experienced enough, tested and with verifiable track records in the game, both at domestic and international stages.”
NFF Interference Blamed for Decline in Results
Ikhana stressed that success will only come if the coaches are given complete autonomy.
“This will only happen if the football body gives them the free hand to invite and select players for matches. This is where I have serious concerns because, over time, that has been a very contentious issue.”
The CAF Coach of the Year 2003 (after winning the CAF Champions League with Enyimba) blamed NFF interference for Nigeria’s poor performances in recent years.
“A situation whereby administrators want to decide for the coach which players should be called up to camp or who should play in a game has been largely responsible for the country’s decline in international competitions in recent times.”
Prioritise Domestic Talent Over Foreign-Based Prospects
Ikhana, who won the AFCON 1980 as a player, also criticised the NFF’s preference for foreign-based players over homegrown talents.
“It makes me laugh each time they say domestic players aren’t good. What it means, clearly, in effect, is that you who are managing the domestic football are not good. It’s as simple as that.”
He argued that building the youth teams around players from the NPFL and domestic league is the smartest way forward.
“Building the age-group teams around players from the home front is a bold step towards reviving our age-grade teams. The players are available, handy and easy to replace whoever among them is not doing well.”
Ikhana concluded that while every player of Nigerian origin deserves consideration, over-concentration on foreign-based youngsters is not the best approach for sustainable success.
As the NFF prepares to appoint new coaches for the U-23 and U-20 teams, Ikhana’s strong endorsement and candid warning against NFF interference will likely spark fresh debate in Nigerian football circles.
