Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, the former chairman of the Gombe State Football Association, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over their handling of the Super Eagles coach appointment, labeling it as a “national embarrassment.”

Speaking with Brila.net, Gara-Gombe expressed his dismay at the NFF’s failure to finalize a proper agreement with the coach before announcing the signing, a situation he attributes to incompetence.

“The issue of the Super Eagles coach that has turned upside down is another national embarrassment. This is one embarrassment too many. This is unacceptable in our sports,” Gara-Gombe stated.

He pointed out that the length of time taken to find a coach should have been enough to ensure all contractual details, including tax issues, were thoroughly discussed and resolved before any announcement was made.

“I am going to put every single embarrassment that is happening in our sports at the doorstep of the Honorable Minister of Sports, this is unacceptable.”

He also criticized the collaboration between the Minister of Sports and the NFF, suggesting that their joint failure to secure a coach reflects poorly on both entities.

“The failure to employ a coach for the Super Eagles is just a self-indictment on the minister and also on the NFF. We are talking about the national team football coach now, not only the Super Eagles. About three or four other national teams of Nigeria don’t have a coach. And before we know it now, when there is failure, they will start giving excuses,” he remarked.

Gara-Gombe did not mince words when addressing the NFF’s announcement of the coach, which he described as rushed and indicative of poor leadership under Ibrahim Gusau.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau. Photo | Tribune Online

He questioned how such a fundamental aspect as tax could have been overlooked before publicly declaring the coach’s appointment.

“This one that they hurriedly announced when Nigerians were asleep, is a clear indication of the incompetence of the Ibrahim Gusau led NFF.

Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe.

“It’s just an excuse they are giving about tax. Who doesn’t know about tax? Before you announced, are they saying that they have not discussed every other issue about tax? You came to announce that you have employed somebody, and the person is coming to say you have no rich terms.”

“So, you are just embarrassing yourselves and embarrassing the entire country,” he concluded.

Gara-Gombe’s comments underscore the growing frustration among stakeholders and fans regarding the NFF’s management of the national team’s affairs, calling for greater professionalism and accountability in handling such important decision.