FOREIGN* *COACHES* ! *A* *FOREIGN* *COLONIAL* *MENTALITY* *COMPLEX

*SLIDING* *TACKLES*

The History of the journey of how our Nation traveled to its lndependence from the Foreign British Colonialists in 1960 is well known to most Nigerians. The interesting Story of how the Founding Fathers of our dear country fought for our Liberation from the Foreign Colonial Powers. Showed us how hard our Founding Fathers worked tirelessly for our Release from Colonial Bondage and Mentality that we were Inferior to the Foreigners. The glorious efforts of our Founding Fathers was best encapsulated in our National Anthem especially in the Phrase - "May The Labours Of Out Heroes Past, Not Be ln Vain". Our Founding Fathers fought hard sometimes getting arrested, detained and even jailed. All for the sake of freeing us from Colonial Mentality Bondage that Foreigners were better and superior to us.

But it is so sad disheartening that after " All The Labours Of Our Heroes Past" to liberate us from Colonial Mentality complex. In the Football sector, nay Other Sports in Nigeria and Africa. The Practitioners for some unclear motivations, seem to have forgotten the rich History. Of how our Founding Fathers toiled day and night, denied themselves and families, all comfort. Just to liberate us from Colonial Mentality complex. 

Our Liberation Fighters suffered a lot of hardship just for demanding " Self Rule" for us, "The Owners Of The Land". Legendary Music Superstar, Sonny Okosuns had sang in one of his epic Hit Songs. And questioned about - "Who Owns The Land" to remind us of our dark History of How we were Liberated from the Stranglehold of Foreign Colonial Powers.

Some selfish and unpatriotic greedy Football Chieftains in this country at the helm of affairs of our Football and Sports. Are still wallowing in the ignoble  Mentality that the Foreign Coach is better than the lndigenious Coach. This "Foreign Colonial Mentality complex" as coined by highly respected Football Legend and lcon, Dr. Mathematical Segun Odegbami, in a reaction to the issue of Foreign Coaches handling our Super Eagles. Has for some years, eaten deep into the fabric of our Football Foundation. And leading to the present unpalatable situation where Coaches of the Super Eagles are appointed not because of their Coaching ability. But just because they are Foreigners.

The Supporters of this condemnable and unpatriotic "Foreign Colonial Mentality complex" syndrome that the Foreign Coaches are better than our lndigenious Coaches. Are very few and in the clear Minority. 

But they are noisy and vociferous. And sometimes very rude and abusive. But both the Foreign Coaches and lndigenious Coaches have led the Super Eagles at different times in the past. Both set of Coaches have also led the Nation to Football glories and failures alike. Foreign Coaches like Otto Gloria, Clemens Westerhoff and Jose Peseiro has led us to AFCON Ist and 2nd Place Finishes. 

While lndigenious Coaches like Stephen Keshi, Festus Onigbinde and Christian Chukwu have led us to the same AFCON Ist and 2nd Finishes too just like the Foreign Coaches. 

And Homeboy, Coach Shuaibu Amodu also led the Nation to two World Cup Qualifications. So on the spur and records of Achievement. The Foreign Coaches have not shown any superior pedigree than the lndigenious Coaches in the handling of the Super Eagles.

However, I want to remind the Supporters of the Foreign Coach employment for the Super Eagles of some very important factors they need to also consider while going to deliver the message of the Foreign Coach Superiority over lndigenious Coaches to the Nigerian people. 

The Proponents for the Hiring of a Foreign Coach for the Super Eagles should consider the Economic Cost of engaging the services of a Foreign Coach vis a vis the dire situation of the Economy of the country currently ravaged by hardship.

 Then, Apologists for the employment of a Foreign Coach for the Super Eagles should also take into serious consideration. 

The lmportation Policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria which strictly directs that Only Foreign Goods and Services whose Local Substitutes are not available here in the country, can be lmported or Transferred. In the case of the Super Eagles Coach. Importation of a Foreign Coach is illegal since we have a lot of lndigenious Coaches with the required Top Coaching Badges and Working Experience and Records.

 Again, the unpatriotic Messengers of the Foreign Coaches. Should also thinker with the unprecedented unrest the Employment of a Foreign Coach who doesn't stay in the country. 

And will be earning a whopping Three hundred million Naira every month for doing nothing. Would cause across the country when the NLC, TUC, SERAP and Other Civil Society Organisations whose Workers have not been paid a paltry and comnon Thirty thousand naira Monthly Minimum Wage? 

Finally, the Commercial Drivers of the Foreign Coaches in Super Eagles should not make their conclusions that the Foreign Coach is better than the lndigenious Coach for the Super Eagles.

 Without considering the Development of our Football which can't be actualized under a Foreign Coach who works for Nigeria from the faraway comfort of his Foreign Homeland. And who therefore won't know anything about our Home Leagues, Players and Football culture and system. To enable him do a good job of forming the Winning Super Eagles for which he was employed.

But having spent time to think deep on the reasons behind the clamour and calls for the Hiring of a Foreign Coach for the Super Eagles. And having not gotten any clue on the reason for the clamour. I am bold to conclude that the Only Reason for the Clamour by some people for the Employment of a Foreign Coach for the Super Eagles. At this crucial point of our Nation's situation. Is......

" *FOREIGN* *COLONIAL* *MENTALITY* *COMPLEX* 

 *Barrister* lyke *lgbokwe* ( *Torchlight* *Of* *Nigeria* *Football* )

 *WhatsApp* : *09136715922*