By Dipo Olowookere
An Italian tactician, Mr Roberto Landi, has not spared the rod on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over its handling of the vacant Super Eagles coaching job that led to a national embarrassment last week.
Recall that some days ago, the football governing body for the country announced a German tactician, Mr Bruno Labbadia, as the new head coach for the men’s national team.
However, a few days later, the new coach walked out on the Nigeria job due to contractual disagreements, a situation Mr Landi said should have been prevented if the proper steps had been taken.
In a chat with SportsBoom, the former Livingston and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise manager advised the NFF need to start showing managerial candidates more respect.
He accused the football administrators at the Glass House in Abuja of perceived negligence to duty and gross laxity following recent developments regarding the Super Eagles managerial post.
Mr Landi, once touted for the job, believes the federation can do better with their candidates so as to avoid misunderstandings such like that, calling on the NFF to clarify things and listen to the demands of their prospective clients, and not jumping to conclusions all by themselves.
Recall that news broke in the local media that Herve Renard and Janne Andersson, both of whom were regarded as front runners for the role had reportedly also decided not to advance in negotiations with the NFF, a move which triggered the hasty announcement of Labbadia.
“I don’t know, but that is crazy,” Mr Landi said. “If that’s the case, it’s crazy. No one wants to be treated that way or disrespected, and you see why one would walk out. I say it because no one wants to be treated in that way.”
“[Like in my case] I spoke with my agent, and he’s assured that all is well while looking at some possible offers on the table. I wondered about the silence since my resume got turned in and no one from the federation has reached out.
“All contractual agreements need to be covered before anything becomes official, and a big body like the NFF knows this. I do not know any other details of this story aside from what we read from the media, but I believe they know what to do,” he enthused.
Interest in the Super Eagles job
Mr Landi obviously remains in the picture, having previously stated his readiness to take up the vacant Super Eagles role, but knows the NFF would be looking at a number of contenders, which makes it a lot competitive.
“Maybe you want to know what their [NFF] preferences might be. We’re waiting, but everyone knows how big a job the Super Eagles role is.
“Yes, certainly the lure is still there. Mr Austin [Eguavoen] takes charge of the team’s games [this weekend], I suppose? I wish him and the team the best of luck. Ciao,” he stated.