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Former Super Falcons assistant coach, Mansur Abdullahi, has called on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to place more trust in indigenous coaches to lead the women’s national team.
This request came into light following the Super Falcons’ recent performance in an international friendly against France, where the team made history by scoring their first-ever goal against the French.
Speaking on the match, Abdullahi was satisfied with the team’s progress, stating that the Falcons had shown a marked improvement, especially with the inclusion of local, home-based players.
He also advocated for the importance of creating opportunities for players at all level
“It’s just a matter of giving everybody an opportunity, then we’ll get it right,” Abdullahi said.
“I want to believe that the team has done wonderfully well, as far as I’m concerned. This is the first time for the Super Falcons to score a goal against a mighty team like France.”
Abdullahi also highlighted the significance of the inclusion of four home-based players in the game, a move that he believes was a refreshing change.
“You can imagine four local home-based players playing that very game, which it has never happened under Randy Waldrum,” he pointed out, referring to the previous foreign coach of the team.
While he acknowledged the Falcons’ gradual progress, Abdullahi was adamant about the potential of Nigerian coaches.
“When I talk as a Nigerian coach, people don’t think that I know what I’m saying. Just give us, the Nigerian coaches, the opportunity and a good atmosphere, environment, we can do better than these white guys,” he asserted.
“That is just the truth.”
Abdullahi’s comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing debate about the role of foreign versus local coaches in African football, as he urges the NFF to reconsider their approach and have more faith in homegrown talent.
