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Scratching The Surface …Of Siasia’ Sack, Keshi’s Fresh Choice
It is like a circus show. One moment the coach of the Nigerian National soccer team, the Super Eagles is sacked, another moment another is named. And for every failure the choice begins for another potential failure dressed early for the hangman’s noose. This in short, has been, in the past many years, the politics of football management in the land.
It was the turn of Samson Siasia last weekend, to bow out having been forced out for being a disgrace for soccer in Nigeria. His offence, failing to qualify the Super Eagles for next year’s African Nation’s Cup in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, the first time in 25 years a National team manager would fail that woefully.
Therefore, and in line with the contract with his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), wasted no time in endorsing his disgraceful exit. Siasia has since been replaced by Stephen Keshi, himself an ex-Nigerian International and Captain of the Super Eagles for a long period. According to the immediate past Super Eagles Captain, Kanu Nwankwo, being a former national skipper with a lot of international exposure, Keshi should be able to bring his experience to bear for the good of the Eagles.
Interestingly, Stephen Keshi’s high coaching pedigree was well-known before the NFF chose Siasia. The new national team manager, NFF like Kanu will readily tell those who care to listen, it was who qualified Togo, a tiny African country with poor soccer history, to the last World Cup, and could very easily do better managing the Super Eagles. That, they knew, but preferred Samson Siasia who apart from grooming female internationals abroad, had managed the Flying Eagles to second best position in the world.
As always, what a national coach achieved while on the job is hardly the issue. What is, is indeed his failure to deliver when it counts, in the case of Siasia, failing to have the Nigerian Green White Green flag hoisted during the next Nation’s Cup, after drawing 2-2 with Guinea, October 9, this year.
None should envy Keshi. I wouldn’t because should the unlikely happen, just as coach Christian Chukwu, sat in judgment against Siasia, the former’s successor, Siasia may, if politics of NFF is any lead to go by, also determine Keshi’s fate, some day. All these are merely scratching the surface.
How many have bothered to reason that it required more than a coach to win a soccer encounter? How many still remember that Jose Morinho, the manager of Spanish Laliga clubside Real Madrid, twice voted, coach of the year, had his team beaten 5-0 by rivals FC. Barcelona last year? It meant that even Mourinho, the special one, can fail when it mattered the most, because there’s only so much a coach can achieve without a purposeful, united, talented, dutiful and most importantly mentally, physically and psychologically stable crop of footballers playing together as a team. Even so, such a crop must play to instruction without which even the best coach can do nothing after the allowed substitutions at regulation time.
So, in what way did the players contribute to Siasia’s fall? Could Siasia’s fall be avoided? How? In the likelihood of a repeat under Keshi’s watch? How? Why? These are questions which answers, I dare warn, would be provided even before the next World Cup.
Bottomline? The problem of soccer in Nigeria is not solely that of the Technical Manager. It is instead, a list of variables like poor administration, proud, insolent, less patriotic players, over meddlesomeness by soccer administrators in the choice of first team members, avoidable rivalry among players, lack of respect for the national team coach and most importantly lobsided loyalty of players to professional clubsides, rather than to country. In addition to all these, an even more dangerous variable is indiscipline among supposed star players, and the tendency among Nigerians to clamour for finished goods rather than look inwards.
When last for instance, did a Nigerian National coach watch secondary school football? Some of Nigeria’s most celebrated ex-internationals were sourced there. Finidi George and Richard Owubokiri are classic examples. Owubokiri for instance, was in his fourth year in Okrika Grammar School when he was discovered during a secondary school soccer championship then called John Chidiac Cup before, he was later conscripted into the Sharks Football Club. And then the Green Eagles.
Those were years when the Nigeria Division One league was a delight to watch and the best of Nigerian soccer made the national team. What is the state of the premier league today? Encumbered by politics and near endless litigations, the league was, for a long time, postponed, resuming only recently, for reasons that cannot even be contemplated in Europe.
Today, virtually every soccer enthusiast in Nigeria belongs to a fan club of one Spanish, Italian or English Premiership clubside and proud to wear their favoured clubs’ colours, even to Sunday service. Which way Nigeria?
With that setting, a Nigeria national team coach, cannot be depended upon to risk his career looking inwards but would rather postract, if need be, to the super rich and influential crop of Nigeria footballers based in Europe. Infact, to earn their support, not necessarily respect, he must play the chicken-hearted father-figure without the liver to whip into line, recalcitrant players. For if he dares, he would not have learnt anything from Siasia’s woes. After his failure is Vincent Enyeama not back to the fold?
This is because, as far as Nigerian football is concerned, the team must just win, even if it means the coach forfeiting part of his monthly N5 million earnings to please the already rich players, to avoid failure. That being the bottomline, the coach no longer enjoys the right of a final say on his team formation and tactics, but must bear the brunt of failure, when, all goes awry.
Even more disturbing is the ritual of choosing a National coach. So political now, coaches are today chosen in Nigeria, not strictly, by a dependable technical crop that should know, but based on public opinion, an informal general election of sorts, in which the loudest of voices determine the eventual choice of a coach. That, in short, was how Keshi was chosen and certainly not because of any upward review of his coaching pedigree after the success of Togo, an achievement which failed to stop Siasia’s choice.
No doubt, Keshi is a good coach of national and international repute, but what happens if, like Siasia, he fails to deliver? Another sack? Next time Oliseh or Amokachi?
This is not how soccer administration should be. In a game of soccer, stability is key. Let coaches be signed based on a tenure, even though tied to certain specific competitions. Failure to win should not be enough reason to punish a coach unless, such failure was criminally contrived to fix a match.
Instead, our coaches should be encouraged to learn from their tactical errors. Simply, rather than see every defeat of the national soccer teams as failures on the part of coaches, the NFF, Nigerians and coaches themselves should see such failures as fresh knowledge about how not to win a soccer encounter.
The problem is not entirely the coaches’ but all Nigerians, particularly the NFF which now changes coaches as often as a wealthy kid changes toys. It should not be so. To attract international sponsors or even world class technical hands, stability is important and without it no sane mind would risk his or her reputation in the name of being national team coach.
Therefore, Keshi should be given a free hand and be empowered to instill discipline and patriotism among team members. In course of doing so, he should be protected from any gang-up against influential players as was the fate with Siasia.
But wait! What happens to the national team players who said “they could not win the Guinea National team in Abuja because of a T.B. Joshua prediction that the Super Eagles would lose by a lone goal? If nothing, then the national team may have to consider for immediate employment into the technical crew, a native doctor, a prophet or a spiritualist to counter such predictions in the future for super-natural fortification. Otherwise, how can a professional footballer like Osaze Odemwinge claim that T.B. Joshua’s prediction of imminent defeat affected them, and for which they had to contract another spiritualist, who eventually failed to counter T. B. Joshua’s prophecy.
Should the NFF blame Siasia alone for that naivity? What happened if Keshi faces same prediction? See Joshua for atonement? May be or lose and go the way of Siasia
My Agony is that Siasia’s replacement will not be the last, it is merely a fulfilment of expectations, key to the success of the circus show, which Nigeria soccer management has become.
But luck, we must wish Keshi. He’ll need it in good measure.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.