CB, William Troost-Ekong has backed the move to appoint more Nigerian coaches in national team roles.
As the Super Eagles gear up for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya on Friday, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen leads the team alongside assistants Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu.
In the pre-match conference, Troost-Ekong expressed his belief in the potential benefits of local coaching for Nigerian football.
Austin Eguavoen (L) and William Troost-Ekong (R) during the pre-match presser. Photo | Brila
“It’s great for Nigeria football, I think it’s the way we can see progress for the long term that we want to see.
“I’ve always been an advocate for the NPFL and having players and coaches here and that is the way we can continue to grow Nigeria football.”
Ekong added that having a coach from Nigeria fosters a stronger connection with the players.
“It’s exciting for all of us, we are very happy to be here with them.
“When you have a coach from a country coaching the national team, he adds an extra bit of fashion and real feelings and hunger for all of us to do well.”
“So we have the same target in mind and on the same boat and we want to have success together.”
Super Eagles coaches led by Austin Eguavoen during a training session. Photo | X (CoachDan_Ijabal)
While the coaching role for the Super Eagles remains open, it appears that the Nigeria Football Federation, may be leaning toward appointing Eguavoen on full-time basis, should he achieve desirable results in both legs against Libya.
With the match approaching, the Super Eagles are ready to put their plans into action and aim for victory on home soil.
