Juliana Taiwo
11 November 2009
Abuja — Following the convincing performance of his team at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup, Nigeria 2009, coach John Obuh has been appointed to handle the Flying Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The Chairman Technical Committee of the federation, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi disclosed that Obuh's elevation is in order considering that the current Golden Eaglets squad would step up into the U-20 side.
Speaking at the commissioning of the FIFA Technical Centre, Ogunjobi noted the NFF is pleased with Obuh's performance both on and outside the pitch. He observed that the coach is a father figure to the boys which has resulted in impressive success made by the team which will today in Lagos face Spain in the semi final of the U-17 World Cup.
"Obuh has proved that he is a very good coach not only on the field of play. He has shown that with commitment and dedication somebody can really do well in his chosen career. If you see how he is treating the boys as their father, you will know that is why the boys are giving him the result."
The former Secretary General of the federation said the entire board of the NFF led by President Sani Lulu Abdullahi is happy with the coach's performance. He said Lulu has given his approval because he is a man who believes in continuity adding, "This was the plan we had for Late coach Yemi Tella after winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea two years ago, but for death which did not allow it to materialize".
According to Ogunjobi, the coming of Obuh to the team has brought stability, resulting in great dividends. He also noted that his upgrading to the national U-20 will not be hinged on leading Nigeria to victory at FIFA U-17 World Cup since he has really performed at that stage.
He denied insinuations that the NFF is in the habit of always looking for excuses to sack coaches adding that there was no way any employer would fold his hands and watch his employees mess up his investment.
"We do not sack coaches as people are speculating. Coaching is all about results and when a coach is not serious with his assignment nobody would compell NFF to retain him. World over, coaches are hired and fired based on their performance so Nigeria would not be different. However, we at the NFF never sacked any coach arbitrarily."
On the NFF's expectation from Obuh and his boys in today's semi final match, Ogunjobi said he is hopeful the team will sail into the final regardless of the opposition from Spain.
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Good decision by d nff.continuity is a vital aspect of football.sack amodu on sat rgadles of d result & bring in siasia