Segun Odegbami, a former international footballer, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritize hiring an indigenous coach to lead the Super Eagles. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos State on Saturday, Odegbami emphasized the need for Nigeria to seek capable hands domestically to handle the national team.

His call comes in the wake of Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro's departure as coach of the Super Eagles after his contract officially ended. Peseiro, who guided the Eagles to a second-place finish at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, expressed satisfaction with his coaching stint with the West African nation.

Odegbami criticized the notion that only foreign coaches can lead Nigerian teams to success, rejecting what he referred to as a "colonial mentality." He argued that Nigeria possesses qualified individuals who can excel in coaching roles and take the country's football to greater heights.

Asserting his stance, Odegbami stressed the simplicity of football, stating that Nigeria should no longer rely on foreign expertise. Instead, he advocated for the appointment of a Nigerian coach to lead the Super Eagles.

In addressing Peseiro's departure, Odegbami opined that the former coach's performance was average and suggested that he gracefully step down from the coaching role. He dismissed the notion that Peseiro resigned, clarifying that his contract had simply expired and was not renewed.

Highlighting Peseiro's achievements, Odegbami noted that the coach received recognition from the government, albeit for a second-place finish in the AFCON, signaling the need for higher standards in coaching performance. He concluded by reiterating the necessity for a coach capable of leading the Super Eagles to victory, expressing discontent with past coaches' inability to secure significant victories for Nigeria.

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