Pinnick Backs Foreign Assistants for Finidi George

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has thrown his weight behind newly appointed Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George, in his quests for foreign assistants amongst his backroom staff.

Pinnick who is seeking re-election to the FIFA Council next March, said on Arise News Television “The Morning Show” programme yesterday that there was nothing wrong in Finidi asking the NFF for approval to bring in foreign assistants .

“Finidi has the right to ask for foreign assistant. It is normal for him to demand foreign assistant if he desires one. Bonfrere Jo was foreign assistant to Clemens Westerhof and later took over the job. (Sunday) Oliseh had foreign assistant, (Samson) Siasia had foreign assistant. It is not new and it is not also bad for him to demand same,” Pinnick defended the former Ajax winger.

He stressed that the staffing of a national team goes a long way in determining the success or otherwise of any team.

“Backroom staffing is more scientific right now. If he says he needs three back room assistants, perhaps one as goalkeeper trainer, the others could be for other positions in the team like the defence, midfield and the attack. The assistant coaches are the engine room of the success of any coach because they see what the coach can’t see,” observed the former NFF Chief.

Pinnick however stressed that if paucity of funds at the NFF was going to hamper the hiring of these key part of Finidi’s backroom staff, the matter can be discussed with the gaffer.

“But then, it depends on funding from the federation.  But I think it is not out of place. Finidi should be allowed to do what he wants to do. But if there is paucity of funds, they can discuss it with him (to reach a compromise),” he noted.

While restating his backing for Finidi as Super Eagles Head Coach, Pinnick believes the ex international should be able to fashion a playing pattern for the senior national now in quest to qualify for both the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

“Finidi is well equipped; he played for Ajax and they over there have developmental football mentoring in kicking the ball, trapping and all that. I think he is well positioned for the job,” concludes Pinnick who is also a CAF executive committee member.

Finidi George is the fifth player from the 1994 all-conquering squad to be in the saddle at the senior national team. Late Stephen Keshi, Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Sunday Oliseh are the others who have at one time or the other led the team from the dugouts.

Two other players from that ‘ 1994 Golden Generation’ Emmanuel Amuneke and Daniel Amokachi contested the position with Finidi.