Akwuegbu Tasks NFF To Engage More Ex-internationals, Clamours For Yobo's Support

Akwuegbu Tasks NFF To Engage More Ex-internationals, Clamours For Yobo's Support

By Niyi Busari

Former Super Eagles forward, Benedict Akwuegbu has commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the appointment of Joseph Yobo into the technical crew of the Super Eagles as assistant coach, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Reacting to the appointment, Akwuegbu, who represented Nigeria from FIFA U17 World Cup in Scotland '89 to the Super Eagles at the 2002 World Cup, says the appointment will serve as Yobo's pay-back for the over ten years service for his fatherland adding that he is a very intelligent young man who will add value to the technical crew led by Gernot Rohr.

He however, tasked the NFF to engage more ex-internationals who have also served Nigeria in their prime.

“I am in support of Yobo’s appointment as a member of the Super Eagles technical crew, provided he can seize the opportunity to attend courses as a coach and be certified to practice. He is very experienced, having featured in three World Cups and six AFCON championships,”

"We (ex-players) must support Yobo to excel. We should come together as one and forget our differences. This is the time for all ex-internationals to unite." He added

Akwuegbu who played for Nigeria for over ten years told BSN Sports via phone conversation.

"Yobo will no doubt benefit from working under Rohr and will also impact his experience and defensive prowess on the Super Eagles team, having played under some of the best coaches in world football at both club sides and national team. I think he is a good addition to the national team.

He added: "Yobo should learn fast and must endeavor to upgrade his coaching certificate as soon as possible.”

The former Super Eagles player also urged the Nigeria Football Federation to create more opportunities for ex-internationals adding that carrying them along will be a win-win situation for the federation and the ex-players.