Amaju Pinnick, the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, has supported Finidi George, the recently appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, in finding international assistants for his backroom team.
FInidi was recently appointed as the head coach of the Super Eagles after the departure of AFCON finalist Jose Peseiro.
Since his appointment, the assistant coach and other backroom staff are yet to be announced by the NFF.
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Pinnick’s comment on foreign assistants
Pinnick, who is running for re-election to the FIFA Council in March of next year, stated yesterday on Arise News Television's "The Morning Show" that Finidi's request for permission from the NFF to hire foreign assistants was acceptable.
According to reports from Thisdaylive, Pinnick said, “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 a foreign assistant to Clemens Westerhof and later took over the job. (Sunday) Oliseh had a foreign assistant, (Samson) Siasia had a foreign assistant. It is not new and it is not also bad for him to demand the same.
He emphasised that a national team's personnel has a significant impact on whether the team succeeds or fails.
He continued, “Backroom staffing is more scientific right now. If he says he needs three backroom assistants, perhaps one as goalkeeper trainer, the others could be for other positions in the team like the defence, midfield and attack.
“The assistant coaches are the engine room of the success of any coach because they see what the coach can’t see.
“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 a paucity of funds, they can discuss it with him (to reach a compromise).