The Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has warned that tribe should not be determining factor in the appointment of the next coach for the national male team.
The captain stressed the importance of competence over nationality or identity in appointing the next national team coach.
Recall that Jose Peseiro, he erstwhile Coach of the Super Eagles announced his exit after 2023 African Cup of Nations. The Eagles played the finals against the host country, Ivory Coast and finished second.
However, following the exit of the Portuguese sweat merchant, discussions have intensified over the ideal coach for the Super Eagles.
Among those in contention for the job are Danny Buijs, Domenec Torrent and Antonio Conceicao. The only Nigerian on the list is the former Super Eagles striker and international footballer, Emmanuel Amuneke.
While not rooting for any particular candidate, Ekong acknowledged the success stories of African coaches. He gave instances of countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast who have achieved great football feats.
Ekong, however, cautioned against dismissing the value foreign coaches bring to the National team.
Ekong was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father. The 30-year-old had represented the Holland at U-21 level before switching allegiance to Nigeria.
His first capped for Nigeria was under the late Stephen Keshi as Chief Coach. Ekong have gone on to play under several other local coaches like Augustine Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Sunday Oliseh.
He also played under the Super Eagles foreign coaches like Gernot Rohr and recently, Peseiro.
Ekong made his submission during an interview with Eagle7FM on Saturday. The PAOK defender, stressed that the Super Eagles ultimate goal is to win the Africa Cup of Nations and surpass their best feat at the World Cup.
“The ideal situation is for a Nigerian to lead our team,” Ekong said.
