Newly-appointed Super Eagles coach Sunday Ogorchukwu Oliseh resumed his duties on Wednesday with a clear message to Nigerians, “I come to serve my country not to wage a war.”
Oliseh’s reaction may not be unconnected with the thinking in many quarters that he is a stubborn person, but the former captain quickly put in clear terms the difference between being principled and stubborn.
Below is Olisah’s statement as published by Supersports:
“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 have had meetings with members of the Technical and Development Committee led by Anyansi-Agwu, very knowledgeable people all.
“I have met members of the executive committee and the general secretary. I believe we will all work together excellently. It is a huge honour to be the head coach of Nigeria.
“My assistants and myself will not invite to the camp of the national team of Nigeria any player who is not playing in the top division in the recognised 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.
“One thing I will say, dear compatriots, is that I am not a Messiah. I have come to do my very best, give 150 percent 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 the Nigeria game to a new height,” said Oliseh to the NFF official website, www.thenff.com.
The multi-lingual Oliseh, who played professionally in Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, as well as won Olympic football gold, Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze and played in two Fifa World Cup final competitions, signed a three-year contract with an option for an additional year.
Posted by Janice Johnson
