The challenges are quite enormous; that s the least to say about it. Just as I have always said this work is enormous but it is a collective one; it is a Nigerian project. We are open to constructive criticism and advice from all quarters. The ultimate dream is to change the face of Nigerian football by moving it forward and this is what a few of us alone cannot achieve. There are so many problems, so much challenges and that is why we are keeping open ears. I can happily say it has been quite good so far.
We have been able to trudge on without much controversy. We have been able to get the national team a coach quite a lot of us believe in. We got (Samson) Siasia and we thank God the selection was open and clean and without any controversy. At least we were able to handle it the way Nigerians wanted it. We understand the expectations and we‘ll continue to strive to work in transparency without unhealthy controversies. We have to move forward again after this stretch of stagnation and we are heading on smoothly.
I believe starting with good footing came also with the way the Super Falcons performed in South Africa. They won with high discipline in camp and no negatives. All we need do now is to get them set for the World Cup. There has to be clear understanding that the world level is a whole lot different from Africa...
Talking about the Falcons...What‘s the definite agenda in getting them ready? That 8-0 loss in Germany was embarrassing...
From the point of view of the team, we are arranging a lot of international friendlies for the team. We are looking at playing such teams as Korea, Sweden and even the USA. The game against Germany should not continue to worry us; it was a friendly and we have learnt a lot from that result. We got the message. I know they have complained about the weather but I believe the lesson is clear to all - we have to be all-round prepared. The level at the world meet is completely different from what we have in Africa.
As for the coach (Uche Eucharia) she‘s billed for a fresher course in Germany to help upgrade her technically. She did well in South Africa; all she needs is to move up to a higher level. People have said the Federation will sack her which is false. She has tried it left for us to help her improve and improve the quality of her team.
So how have been able to run the Federation with your account still frozen through the EFCC or do you have full access now?
We have actually made headway on the accounts issue and the EFCC has been quite co-operative on that. We are in the process of opening new account as we prepare for bigger challenges but it was from the old account that we were able to handle the Falcons outing in South Africa. We are taking a strong drive in marketing and I believe we can do better in that direction...
Are your packagess not undervalued especially the national team — Super Eagles? We get to see what other countries get for their teams but we hardly get what some clubs get in Europe.
We keep learning everyday and this is one area that needs urgent and adequate attention. We just had a seminar (Football Expo) and from the briefing I got, it was quite good and exploratory. We cannot fold our arms in that direction. We have to explore more opportunities.
Some of us have taken a close look at the committees you set. It appears some of the members were chosen to ‘settle‘ them. It‘s like all those who battled in the elections had to be taken care of. Does just being an ex-footballer, for instance, qualify one to be in the Technical Committee?
No, no I disagree with you. We have not filled up the committees with people we want to settle. We looked at credentials before we formed the committees and it is the same process for other appointments that we have made. It is a football business we are running and I believe footballers and ex-footballers should have some roles in the running. But that is not to say that once you have played or made some noise then you are qualified. No, it can‘t be so. You must genuinely have something to offer.
Is it true you are now looking elsewhere for the technical director? The last time we talked you said Sunday Oliseh and two others have been shortlisted.
No, we are not dropping Oliseh and the others already marked out. We are still in contact with him and we know what he is doing right now. Getting a sound technical director is part of the restructuring and we cannot afford to mess up with it. We are taking our time so that we don‘t make any error.
Nigerians are sick and tired of negatives and controversies from the FA. When will this NPL (Nigeria Professional League) leadership problem end?
We are working on it and I can say confidently say that we‘ll soon come out with a fair judgement. It‘s been outstanding for quite some time now and real efforts have been made. But this time we have to be decisive but it will be fair to all.
The issue of bribery in a national team has been there all the time. I know you inserted a clause in Siasia‘s contract on that but how do you monitor them? What yardsticks would you use because we know coaches field some unqualified players they want to market?
As you may have noticed we are taking open steps to curb corruption and bribery and we are making them things of the past in the federation. We are also aware that while some people can ask for cash some may field funny players. But that is why we have a sound technical committee now. They will take firm charge of such things and we are very confident that they will live up to expectation. We must march steadily on without those things that set our football back.
Siasia has been specifically addressed on that but I know he is a man of principle and we don‘t expect him to go the wrong way. I believe he is looking at the future with desire to rise to the highest in his career. We have done everything humanly possible to curb that and all we have to do now is to keep watch.
How are you getting on with the players? I guess you have familiarised yourself with them...
Yes, we are getting on fine. I just spoke with (Joseph) Yobo a few days ago and we really had a good discussion. I have been in touch with Osaze (Odemwingie) and a few others and I must confess I am impressed with the progress he and some others are making. While I was in London I met with Kanu (Nwankwo) and a few others. The relation is okay and a lot of respect for each other.
In three years time how would you like to be remembered? How would you like Nigerians to judge your tenure?
I want to leave behind a solid national team. I want us to have an NFF that will stay without controversies. Nigerians deserve to have a team that they can be proud of. A team may not win a match but fans can be patient if they show character. We lost to Argentina in South Africa but Nigerians were patient with the Super Eagles because of the way they played. Attitude changed when they got everything wrong. So first we prepare a team that may not start winning and they move on to a solid team that will play well and win well.
SOURCE:http://www.punchng.com/
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