Former Super Eagles midfielder, Oedema Fuludu, has expressed his disapproval regarding the recent increase in the suspension of coaches within the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
In just two weeks, three coaches have been suspended in the NPFL due to alleged poor performances during the seven-week-old season. The first to be suspended was coach Napoleon Aluma, who faced this action from the Delta Sports Commission following the club’s 1-2 defeat at home against the visiting Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan at Oleh.
Two days ago, Tunde Sanni, the coach of Kwara United, was suspended after the team suffered a 0-1 home loss to Abia Warriors, while Coach Greg Ikhenoba of Bendel Insurance FC was also dismissed for the same reason of poor performance. Coach Baldwin Bazuaye has since taken over the responsibilities at Bendel Insurance FC.
Fuludu, who was part of the Super Eagles team that clinched the African Cup of Nations title in 1994 in Tunisia, remarked that the practice of frequently sacking and replacing coaches will hinder the development of league football in the country.
The FIFA Coach Educator stated: “In my opinion, this trend of suspending coaches in the NPFL is misguided, as the league is still in its early stages to experience such drastic measures.
“When a team loses to a better-prepared opponent, I believe the management should engage with the coach to identify solutions to the issues at hand, rather than opting for suspension. For example, Coach Aluma of Warri Wolves successfully led the club from the lower division to the elite NPFL. He was recognized as the best coach during the NNL Playoff, won his first match in the NPFL away against Katsina United, and also secured a victory against Enugu Rangers at home.
The fact that he lost at home to 3SC should not have resulted in an immediate suspension. Coach Tunde Sanni managed to draw against Warri Wolves at Oleh. His suspension following a home loss to Abia Warriors indicates that we are not adapting quickly enough. In the English Premier League, teams like Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City have experienced a series of defeats, yet their coaches remain in position.
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”Some individuals tend to react too hastily,” he remarked. “They consistently heed the opinions of those lingering on the sidelines or hoping for the coaches to make minor errors, allowing them to seize control of the club. Perhaps, during the recruitment phase, the coach did not approve of their players, which is why they are perpetually present at the stadium, scrutinizing any mistakes made during matches. This is quite unjust.
”Furthermore, I hold some of our coaches accountable for hastily accepting any agreements presented to them by the management. If a proper contract had been established between the coach and the club, as is customary in England and other leagues worldwide, I believe this trend of suspensions would not occur. We must swiftly learn to reposition the Nigerian league for a brighter future,” Fuludu expressed.
”In the meantime, there are signs that the interim coach of Warri Wolves FC, Austin Johnny, who guided the team to victory over Barau FC in Kano last weekend, may not be granted the opportunity to lead the club due to the fact that ‘he lacks the essential coaching qualifications.’
”However, we are monitoring the situation,” a source close to the team informed. “Coach Johnny performed admirably in Kano, but the NPFL regulations stipulate that for a coach to lead a club, they must possess at least a CAF ‘B’ Licence. Coach Johnny only holds an NIS certificate. This does not imply that we are dismissing him at this moment. We will observe his performance against Niger Tornadoes this Sunday and in subsequent matches,” the source added.
