Former Super Eagles international Edema Fuludu has strongly criticized the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to hire an expatriate Technical Adviser for the national team, describing it as an act of desperation.

In an interview with Brila.net, Fuludu expressed his concerns about the lack of support and insufficient time given to former coach Finidi George, questioning the rationale behind hiring him if the NFF did not believe in his capabilities from the outset.

Nigeria’s head coach Finidi George. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)

“It’s very unfortunate that we’re in such a dilemma now, and we’re taking desperate measures,” Fuludu stated.

“I think it’s just pure desperation, because if we thought that Finidi could not do the job, why did we employ him without giving him enough backing?”

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru celebrates with his Nigerian teammates after he scored against South Africa. Photo | NG_SuperEagles

Fuludu, who has been a vocal advocate for local talent, highlighted the inconsistency in the NFF’s approach and the lack of adequate support for domestic coaches.

He pointed out that Finidi, despite his potential, was not given the necessary resources and support to succeed, leading to his untimely exit from the role.

“If we’re not willing to back our coach, then there’s room for failure,” Fuludu continued.

Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George.

“Nobody is talking about the players’ attitude towards the game they played. The last two games they played. Their mental preparedness was nothing to write home about. Because if the players are not willing, there’s nothing that the coach can do.”

The former midfielder emphasized that merely hiring a foreign coach does not guarantee success, especially if the fundamental issues within the team, such as player motivation and attitude, are not addressed.

Gernot Rohr. (Photo by Lars Baron – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

He argued that the current desperation to secure World Cup qualification is driving hasty decisions that may not lead to long-term improvements in Nigerian football.

“If they think that bringing an expatriate coach will make us qualify for the World Cup, because now everybody is desperate. The ministry of sports is desperate, the Nigerian Football Federation is being pushed. Actually, there’s nothing they can do other than dance to the tune,” Fuludu remarked.

“But I still believe that if we give our home coach the backing, and what is actually desired, and we have players who are willing who do not think a Nigerian coach is not worth it, then we can get out of this mess.”

The former international’s critique comes amid a tumultuous period for the Super Eagles, with the NFF facing increasing pressure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup and restore the team’s competitive edge.