Henry Makinwa: Ex Rayo Vallecano Forward Offers Advice to Nigerian Coaches Amid Super Eagles Vacancy

• The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been without a coach since the departure of Jose Peseiro
• There is a perceived lack of faith in indigenous coaches by the Nigeria Football Federation
• An ex-Vallecano striker has offered advice to indigenous coaches amid the snub from the NFF

The vacant coaching position for Nigeria's Super Eagles is sparking intense discussions within the country's footballing community.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are diligently working to appoint a manager before the crucial FIFA World Cup qualification series in June.

However, amidst the scrutiny and shortlisting of numerous applicants for the Super Eagles vacancy, a noticeable trend has emerged—the NFF's apparent preference for foreign coaches over indigenous managers.

Out of the over 115 Nigerian managers who applied for the role, it seems only Emmanuel Amunike has been considered for the national team's managerial position.

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In light of this apparent neglect and lack of confidence in indigenous coaches by the NFF, former Rayo Vallecano forward, Henry Makinwa, has offered advice to local coaches on how to position themselves for consideration for such significant coaching roles.

Makinwa’s advice to Nigerian coaches

In an interview with Sports Brief, the 46-year-old highlighted the NFF's significant neglect of local managers.

The former player-turned-coach also emphasised the importance for local coaches to update their badges to remain competitive for top managerial positions.

"It is crucial to focus on coaching education, consistently updating your skills, being honest, and working smart," he emphasised.

"Stay current and become a coach sought after anywhere in the world."

His words seem to strike a chord with many in the Nigerian footballing community. It's often been noted that many indigenous coaches, particularly those in the Nigerian football league, hold outdated coaching badges, which appears to hinder their chances of being considered for elite positions, regardless of their success at their current clubs.

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The former Vandrezzer coach further reinforced his point by highlighting that UEFA offers coaches opportunities to enhance their licensing on a quarterly basis.

NFF makes U-turn on Amunike

Sports Brief in a previous report stated the NFF are reconsidering appointing Amunike for the role of the Super Eagles coach.

The 53-year-old was previously on the list of individuals excluded from the final shortlist by the football federation.

Source: Legit.ng