Super Eagles head coach job hopeful Michael Nsien promises to always invite NPFL players
A contender for the position of Super Eagles head coach, Michael Nsien says he will always invite three to four the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players if appointed as Jose Peseiro’s replacement.
Nsien, who has spent most of his life in the United States and has coaching experience there, stressed his willingness to work closely with home-based Nigerian players and coaches.
Speaking in an interview on Brila FM, Nsien outlined his plans to immerse himself in Nigerian football if selected for the role.
“I think it’s imperative that I live in Nigeria if I get the Super Eagles job,” Nsien stated. “There’s the June fixture against South Africa, then there are other fixtures for the AFCON. I think it’s imperative that I’m there and on the ground, not just for the NPFL but also to help co-ordinate the infrastructure of the coaches and the Philosophy of Nigerian football.”
Speaking further, Nsien emphasised the importance of developing a clear pathway for coaching development oin Nigeria.
He stressed the significance of understanding and promoting the NPFL, stating his intention to make it mandatory to include three or four players from the local league in the senior national team.
“If I had the authority, I would make it mandatory to have three or four players from the local league in the senior team,” Nsien remarked. “We need players from the league to understand what it means and what it looks like to be around the top players in the world. So when they get back to their clubs, it rubs off on the other players.”
In recent years, home-based players have seen limited opportunities under coaches like Gernot Rohr and Jose Peseiro. Nsien’s approach could offer a fresh perspective to harnessing local talent.
As the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) deliberates on the appointment, contenders like Emmanuel Amunike and Finidi George remain in the mix, adding to the anticipation surrounding the selection of the next Super Eagles head coach.
