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Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh has been appointed and unveiled as the new coach of the Super Eagles. Oliseh, who succeeds former team mate Keshi, has penned a three-year contract till 2018 with option of one year extension and a monthly salary of N5 million. Speaking to BBC Sport, Oliseh enthused joy and honour at being given the mantle to lead his country. “We have the talent to change our fortunes, to regain the respect we once had and match that with results,” Oliseh told BBC Sport. He added, “This is the biggest job in African football. With everyone’s support we can get the Super Eagles flying again.” Oliseh, 40, comes in at a crucial time when Nigeria football is in disarray both on and off the field despite winning the CAF African Cup of Nations just two years ago. Political fighting within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), disciplinary sanctions and poor results on the pitch have left Nigerian football in dire need of a new direction. Oliseh, who earned 63 caps for Nigeria and helped his country win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and Olympic gold in 1996, has been given the onus to restore the nation’s pride and take Nigerian football to greater heights. The former Borussia Dortmund, Ajax and Juventus player understands the tough task ahead. “I am here today because I believe in the NFF and the big project before us. We had a passionate discussion and the result is the mandate to manage Nigeria,” he said. “The job doesn’t start tomorrow, it starts now, we need the support of everyone because together we can make our country great.” Before his appointment, Oliseh has been working as a sports consultant, pundit and FIFA Technical Committee member. He becomes the fourth member of the “Golden Generation” of football stars to manage Super Eagles after Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Keshi. Oliseh earned the prestigious UEFA Pro License in the UK but has only managed Belgian lower league side Vervietois between 2008 and 2009. Despite his little management experience, the NFF believe Oliseh is the right man for the job; hailing him as the “Pep Guardiola” of African Football. “Today is another historic day in the history of Nigeria football. Today we have been able to present the Pep Guardiola (Bayern Munich coach) of Africa,” NFF President Pinnick remarked “As a member of the FIFA technical study group, he is vastly travelled and trained. I can assure you that we are going to have one of the best coaches Nigeria ever had,” Pinnick concluded.  
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This article was first published on 16th July 2015

arinzeude

Arinze Ude is a PhD Student at the University of the West of England Bristol, UK, where he's exploring on the mechanisms of donor cell leukaemia. He shares his deep thoughts on his blog and the Naked Convos. He is keen to promote personal development of the Nigerian youth via thought-provoking articles.

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