Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick asserted that Finidi George, the recently appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, has every right to demand international assistants.
According to reports, Finidi has declined to collaborate with a few of his former teammates.
The 53-year-old has chosen to hire an expat to assist him in his work instead.
Pinnick said Finidi has the right to pick his assistants.
“For his assistants, it is very tricky. It is normal for him to demand foreign assistants if he desires one. Bonfrere Jo was foreign assistant to Westerhof and later took over the job. Oliseh had foreign assistant, Siasia had foreign assistant. It is not new and it is not also bad for him to demand same,” Pinnick said in Arise TV.
“Finidi is well equipped; he played for Ajax and they over there have developmental football mentoring in kicking the ball, trapping and all that. I think he is well positioned for the job.
“For Amuneke, he is also technically sound but I am talking of the seamless transition from Peseiro; it will benefit the team much for Finidi to have the job and thank God he is there.
“Backroom staffing is more scientific right now. If he says he needs three back room assistants, perhaps one for goalkeeper training, the others are for other positions.
“The assistant coaches are the engine room of the success of any coach because they see what the coach can’t see.
“But then, it depends of funding from the federation but I think it is not out of place. Finidi should be allowed to do what he wants to do. But if there is paucity of funds, they can discuss it with him.”
