By Olisemeka Obeche
New Super Eagles’ coach, Sunday Ogorchukwu Oliseh has declared that he is not a Messiah but would give more than 100 percent commitment to taking the national team to a glorious height. The former Super Eagles skipper made the declaration during his formal contract signing and unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday.
“One thing I will say, dear compatriots, is that I am not a Messiah. I have come to do my very best, give 150%, to take Nigeria football to the next level, with the support of my assistants, the NFF and relevant stakeholders. I am optimistic that we will lift Nigeria’s game to a new height,” Oliseh said.
The former Ajax, Borrusia Dortmund and Juventus midfielder also pledged to serve the country and not to engage in confrontations. “I have come to serve, and the NFF has promised to give me all the support I need to succeed. They are the employers and I am the employee. That distinction has to be appreciated at all times. I believe we will all work together excellently. It is a huge honour to be Head Coach of Nigeria,” Oliseh said.
Oliseh also gave a hint of his philosophical template for Super Eagles’ squad selection, declaring that the new technical handlers “will not invite to the camp of the National Team of Nigeria, any player who is not playing in the top division in the recognized Leagues of the world, including Nigeria”.
“The only exception would be those players from any of the age-grade National Teams that we find exceptional and deserving of an opportunity to try and win shirts in the senior team,” he added.
Oliseh, who is a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group, played professional football in Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, and won Olympic football gold, Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze and played in two FIFA World Cup final competitions with the national team.
He signed a three-year contract to coach the Super Eagles with an option for an additional another year.
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