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Super Eagles: Personal interest affecting local coaches, says Ikpeba

Ikpeba

Alexander Okere, Benin

A former Super Eagles international, Victor Ikpeba, has called on indigenous coaches ‎to set aside personal interest, if they desire to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts.

Ikpeba made the call on Thursday during a novelty match organised by the Nigeria Football Federation and the Edo State Football Association and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

The match featured ex-Super Eagles players, including Mutiu Adepoju, Peter Rufai, Austin Eguavoen and Uche Okechukwu.

Ikpeba explained that the performance of many Nigerian coaches had been af‎fected by their personal achievements, which he said had been allowed to overshadow patriotism.

He said, “Our local  coaches have to up their game. They have to be very passionate about the game. They have to think about what they can do for whatever team, whether it is the U-17, U-20 or U-23. They have to try to think about success first.

“The biggest problem with our local coaches is their personal interest. So, if they can do away with their personal interest, why not?‎

‎”I think our local coaches have to change their mentality and they should not get themselves into personal interest.

“Indigenous coaches can have successful spells with the national teams, if they decide to serve with patriotism.”

Ikpeba noted that while the NFF should not take the blame for seeking a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, local coaches should be encouraged to aspire for greater heights in their careers.  

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