Troost-Ekong prefers indigenous coach for Eagles
2023 African Nations Cup Most Valuable Player, William Troost-Ekong has said that he prefers an indigenous coach to lead the Super Eagles.
Since the exit of former Super Eagles Coach, Jose Peseiro in February, the NFF has not announced a successor despite the three times African champions having two must win FIFA World Cup qualifier games in June.
The Super Eagles stand-in captain said, “I think that will be the ideal situation for our team to be honest,” Troost-Ekong said this in an interview with Nigeria legend Segun Odegbami, on his radio station, Eagles 7 103.7FM, on Saturday morning.
“I said that because i have seen Senegal for example, what they achieve with their coach. Ivory Coast now, they changed their coach at the middle of the tournament.
“There is something that has to be said about a coach understanding about a culture of a country, players and daily route having been there before as a player, playing at the AFCON.”
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The former Watford star, however, said he has no issues with a foreign coach being appointed.
“But on the other side, I can’t dismiss having a foreign coach because my experience under Gernot Rohr was so very good. We went to the World Cup and AFCON semi finals in Egypt.
“Under Jose Peseiro, there was a lot of criticisms before the tournament and the year leading after it. And for him to take us to the AFCOn final, it’s a lot of achievement for him.
“For me, I like to think beyond nationalities and political positions. I like to think whatever decision that will be made will be the best for the team.”
On the question of foreign-based players not respecting local coaches, Troost-Ekong said:”It doesn’t matter if it’s a Nigerian coach or Foreign coach for as long as the Super Eagles can win an AFCON trophy or go further in the World Cup like they have never done before. Then it will be a success for everybody.
“I think from my experience in the changing rooms, I don’t think there is a level of respect change. I think every manager has their own authority. I think there is always a thin line where you have to work between close to a group, and being manager of a group.”
