Nigeria’s football teams have recorded a number of riveting victories in the past across every category of the sport, many of which have helped place the country alongside other top football nations in the world.
As is the norm everywhere, the successes recorded by Nigeria’s teams at various events, as well as their failures, have been attributed to the coaches that led the teams at the time.
In primary respects, the players are believed to do exactly what the coach instructs, hence a success or failure is the responsibility of the coach.
Let us take quick look at five Nigeria coaches that recorded massive successes for the country while in power.
Stephen Keshi
iffhs.de
Stephen Keshi is arguably Nigeria’s most successful coach, considering the time he spent as the Super Eagles technical adviser.
Within his three years stay with the Nigeria team, the Super Eagles under the supervision of Keshi won the 2013 AFCON in South Africa and also played the Confederation Cup in Brazil in the same year. The team also made it to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which is the last time Nigeria broke through the group stage of the tournament.
Keshi set a record as the second man to win the Nations Cup both as a player and coach.
Sadly, Nigeria lost the super coach on June 7, 2016.
Samson Siasia
nigerianeye.com
Samson Siasia has a record of turning nascent players into superstars.
Although his ethics have been widely questioned by many senior players, Siasia has consistently produced results for Nigeria.
Siasia narrowly missed the gold medal of the U-23 football event at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Argentina defeated Nigeria in the final.
Clemens Westerhof
Footballghana
After Clemens Westerhof got on the book for Nigeria in 1989, the Super Eagles quickly rose through the ranks of world football nations.
The Eagles were runner-ups at Algiers 90’, after which they claimed a bronze medal at Senegal 92’ championships.
Nigeria’s famous Tunisia 94’ victory and eventual qualification and debut at the USA ‘94 World Cup, was also thanks to Westerhof’s proof tactics.
Shaibu Amodu
THEWILL
Shaibu Amodu was the first indigenous coach to qualify Nigeria for the 2002 and 2010 World Cup also helping Nigeria finish third at the Mali 2002 and 2010 AFCON in Angola respectively.
The late gaffer was until his death one of Nigeria’s most underrated coaches.
Bonfrere Jo
Nigerian Pilot News
Bonfrere Jo was nicknamed the flying Dutchman, for helping Nigeria’s U23 team win the Olympic gold medal at Atlanta ’96. A victory which eventually got Nigeria into the world football history books as the first African nation to ever win the title.
Featured image source: nigerianeye.com
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