Shaibu rallies support for Finidi

A former deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has urged Nigerians to give the newly appointed Super Eagles’ coach, Finidi George, all the needed support to succeed in his new assignment.

Sporting Tribune recall that the former Ajax Amsterdam of Holland, Real Mallorca of Spain and Ipswich Town of England was appointed as Eagles’ new gaffer by the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the recommendation of its (NFF) Technical Committee.

Shaibu made the remarks while briefing journalists at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Abuja where he came to watch the round of 64 match between Federation Cup holders, Bendel Insurance of Benin and Stormers SC of Abeokuta.

According to Shaibu, Finidi has shown that he has the capability to tinker the team with the games he handled against the Black Stars of Ghana and Eagles of Mali. He also expressed the hope that the former Ajax Amsterdam of Holland dashing winger will bring league players into the national team set up to complement their foreign-based counterparts.

“I’m one of those that have been clamouring for indigenous coach. I want to congratulate Finidi George and watching his first two games the friendlies against Ghana and Mali, it was obvious that he’s bringing in experience. And one thing I’m seeing in him is that he will be able to discover new Okocha and Kanu from our league. Because in his first assignment he brought in some of the players I have been thinking should be in the national team from the local league.

“And having stayed in the local league and handling Enyimba very well, I’m sure he would have pencilled down a lot of players he wants to bring to Enyimba and such players should be invited to the national team to have a new generation of young home-based mixed with foreign-based players in our national team.

“I wish him well and I need to advise and appeal to Nigerians to please give him (Finidi) a chance. Don’t be in a hurry. When we are in a hurry for him to deliver, too much pressure may be on him and we start looking for foreign coach. I think we should give him time and chance to succeed. The same time and chances that we always give to foreign coaches. Let’s give him the same time, pray for him and support him,” Shaibu said.

Reacting to Bendel Insurance vs Stormers SC of Abeokuta match, the former Edo number two man said, “It was a difficult game. You know FA Cup is the most difficult game to play because the underdogs threw their two legs, their heads and the whole of their bodies into the game. It’s always difficult for premiership teams to be able to meet the pace of these underdogs if you call them so. I’m told that 3SC had to go through penalties.

“That tells you how difficult it is to play team like this. It was a difficult game but I’m happy that they (Insurance) have qualified for round of 32. Our prayers is that they retain the cup.”