Former Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze has expressed strong disapproval over the decision to appoint a coach who holds two jobs, citing it as a grave mistake.
Aliyu Zubairu was recently named head coach of the Flying Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), after approval by the Technical and Development Subcommittee.
Zubairu, who currently manages El Kanemi Warriors, was instrumental in leading the club to victory in the Nigeria President’s Federation Cup in June.
He also guided the team’s promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
However, speaking on Brila FM’s *No Holds Barred* show, Udeze was adamant that handling two coaching roles simultaneously would lead to failure.
“This will not work! You can’t coach both the U20 National Men’s Team and El Kanemi Warriors at the same time,” Udeze declared.
“Number one, he can’t give 100% focus to either role. Secondly, he won’t be able to build a solid team because he won’t always be present to fulfill his duties for both the national team and his club.”
Udeze emphasized that both the Flying Eagles and El Kanemi Warriors would suffer if Zubairu is tasked with managing both teams.
“He won’t be on the ground when needed, and that will affect the quality of the teams.”
Drawing a distinction between managing senior national teams and youth sides, Udeze explained why the dual-role arrangement is even more problematic for the U20 level.
“You can’t compare the senior national team with the U20. For the Super Eagles, the players are already professionals they don’t spend months in camp doing screenings.
“They only come together for a week when there’s a game, and then everyone returns to their clubs. In that case, the coach can manage both roles,” Udeze noted.
“But with the Flying Eagles, the team could be in camp for 3-4 months. The head coach needs to be fully present.”
Udeze concluded by urging the NFF to pay coaches their salaries promptly and ensure they focus solely on their national team duties.
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau. Photo | NFF
“Once you appoint a coach, pay them, and let them concentrate on their job. It’s a full-time responsibility,” he added.
