Former Nigeria coach, Clemens Westerhof, has joined those supporting the decision of the NFF to pardon National team coach, Sunday Oliseh, despite the coach’s recent criticism of his employers.
In an interview with Complete Sports, from his base in the Netherlands, Westerhof insisted that the Super Eagles must not fail to qualify for the 2017 AFCON in Gabon for any reason at all.
He said that the Pharaohs of Egypt should not pose any real threat to Super Eagles aspiration for a 2017 AFCON ticket.
He believes the Eagles have what it takes to overshadow the seven-time African champions, adding that NFF’s choice of Kaduna as venue of the match was in order since every part of the country has the right to host and see the national team play.
He said, “Nigeria has good players; they are playing very well in Europe.
“The Super Eagles must win, they must play in the Nations Cup. The players are good, there are many of them in Europe and Egypt have not been fantastic lately.
“Nigeria’s Super Eagles are strong. It’s the players that determine if your team is good. Egypt have not been doing well in the Nations Cup.
“They have not qualified for the Nations Cup for many years and Super Eagles were champions in 2013 with (Stephen) Keshi. Yes, the Super Eagles will be at the Nations Cup.
Westerhof noted that criticism and counter-criticism will only be a huge distraction as Nigeria prepares to take on Egypt on March 25.
He said he watched Oliseh on television criticizing the federation (NFF) after the (CHAN) tournament in Rwanda, stating that such was uncalled for. He added that it was bad to go to the press to criticize the NFF.
He said, “You are coach, do the job and expect to be criticized; not you doing and criticizing”
He pointed out that it is normal and generally acceptable for a coach of a team to be criticized when results don’t come. But when the criticized is now criticizing, that means something is not okay. He said instead, the Coach should work harder and minimize talking on TV.
The former Eagles tactician advised, “You must not go to the television to accost anybody. You must do your part of the job, the contract you signed, do it well. Any issues have to be discussed between you and the federation, not to the newspapers, not the radio or TV! He got it wrong. But again, he has no experience to work at top level.”
He opined that Oliseh, having apologized, should be pardoned and be allowed to concentrate on his job.
He also advised the NFF not to sack the former Juventus play-maker, but to warn him against running to the press or TV at any little provocation.
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