Expressing his preference, Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong stated that he would lean towards having a local coach at the helm of the Super Eagles.
Since Jose Peseiro’s departure at the end of February, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not appointed a permanent head coach for the Super Eagles.
Reports suggest that former international Emmanuel Amuneke, as well as two foreign candidates, Domenec Torrent and Antonio Conceicao, are being considered for the role.
Responding to a question from Nigeria football legend Segun Odegbami about his preferred choice during a radio program on Eagles FM, Troost-Ekong expressed his inclination towards having a local tactician succeed Peseiro.
“I believe that would be the ideal scenario for our team, to be frank,” stated the center-back.
“I mention this because I have observed what Senegal has accomplished with their coach, and currently Ivory Coast, who made a coaching change midway through a tournament.
“There is value in a coach possessing an understanding of the country’s culture, the players, and the daily routines, having been there previously as a player and having competed in the AFCON.”
Despite his preference, the PAOK Salonica player mentioned that he is open to working under a foreign coach following his positive experiences under Gernot Rohr and Peseiro.
“Nevertheless, I am not opposed to having a foreign coach since my time under Gernot Rohr was highly rewarding. We reached the World Cup and the AFCON semi-finals in Egypt,” he continued.
“With Jose Peseiro, there were numerous criticisms before and after the tournament, yet he managed to lead us to the AFCON final, a significant accomplishment for him.
“Personally, I prefer to transcend nationalities and political stances. I believe that the ultimate decision taken should be in the best interest of the team.”