Former President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has said that Nigeria needs foreign coaches and improved infrastructure to elevate its football standards.
During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Pinnick emphasised his long-standing advocacy for foreign coaches during his tenure as NFF President.
“Nigerian coaches have knowledge and abilities, but it goes beyond that in managing players. One thing that is elemental when you want to manage a player is respect; do they have respect for the coaches?” he asked.
Pinnick highlighted the infrastructural deficits hindering football development in Nigeria, pointing out that basic amenities like functional stadium facilities are often lacking.
“We have serious infrastructural deficits. For instance, you don’t want to go to the stadium and want to use the toilet and you can’t,” he said.
Discussing the global football landscape, Pinnick noted that countries like the US, Germany, and England have ready infrastructures to host major tournaments at any time.
“If you go to Morocco today, it’s like plug and play because they have everything. England today can host the World Cup,” he remarked.
To address Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges, Pinnick proposed a collaborative effort involving state governments, the federal government, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He suggested conducting an audit of all sports facilities in Nigeria, grouping states based on their sports infrastructure, and ensuring that each cluster has the necessary basics to host tournaments, including stadiums with capacities between 20,000 to 60,000 and multiple practice pitches.
“The problem we have in Nigeria is not about facilities; it is about maintenance,” Pinnick asserted.
He expressed confidence that well-maintained training facilities could turn out unimaginable talents from Nigeria.
Pinnick also touched on the importance of respect between players and coaches, citing the need for a professional attitude from top players like Osimhen.
“Osimhen and other players should accord their coaches and leaders with an appreciable level of respect,” he stated.
Addressing the current state of Nigerian football, Pinnick noted that the NFF is diligently working to ensure the right coaching appointments. He acknowledged the urgency of the situation but remained optimistic about Nigeria’s football future.
“We should be hopeful and prayerful and work closely with the Nigeria Football Federation. Anything can still happen,” he concluded.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, Pinnick mentioned plans for significant infrastructural projects, including a massive stadium in Warri and the development of eight practice pitches in Lagos. He envisioned a future with healthy competition among states, spurred by improved facilities and better management.
NNEOMA UDENSI
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