1980 EAGLES BETTER THAN '94 SET - ADIELE
Adiele
US-based 1980 Africa Nations Cup winner, David Adiele, in this interview with 'TANA AIYEJINA, talks about his playing and coaching careers, experience with late Rashidi Yekini and comparison between the 1980 and 1994 Eagles squads
How is life in America?
Life in the US has been good; we thank God for his mercies and guidance. I look forward to making it better and take life to a level one has been destined to be. The only thing is that at times you don't get what you want. In that case one has to make do with what is available when the desirable is not available. One thing incontrovertible is that there is no place like home. Nigeria is my home and I can never forget my home. I have support from some soccer academies like Golden Boot and Soccer Vibration and Angel Adiele has been supportive too and I thank her and every other person that have contributed to my coaching career in the US.
What prompted your move to the US?
I came to the US to improve my knowledge in my coaching career. Football is my life and I think this is what I know how to do best. After my playing career, I wanted to move forward as a coach, so my sojourn to the US offered me the opportunity to begin a coaching career in youth football. I have handled some counties youth soccer development teams and groomed various soccer academies.
Precisely, what are you doing now?
I have not left coaching; in fact that has been my greatest strength now. I am currently the Head Coach of Golden Boot Sports Scouting and Management Worldwide and also tutor Soccer Vibration of Houston. I also do various youth soccer development programmes where I train kids from five to 12 years and 13 to 15 years respectively.
Coach Stephen Keshi just helped Nigeria qualify for the Nations Cup after missing the 2012 edition. Do you think the Eagles can make an impact at the Nations Cup in January?
Firstly, I congratulate the Super Eagles coaching crew and the players for their efforts. I saw the qualification coming when Keshi began his drive for grassroots development. This was the same thing I did when I managed Hansfield FC of Orlu, Imo State, and took the team from nowhere to Division 3, because I went to the grassroots and fished out raw and talented players. Having said that, Nigeria deserves a place at all editions of the Nations Cup; given our soccer prowess and track records. However, it is not yet Uhuru for Keshi and his team because winning the Nations Cup is a must to consolidate on the coach's resume.
As an ex-Insurance of Benin defender, how do you feel with the club's pathetic situation at the moment?
My heart bleeds for the team, because it is sad seeing a club I was once part of not doing well at the moment. I think the club management needs to do more in terms of getting a good coach. The idea that the coach must be an indigene of the state should be forgotten. A good coach can come from anywhere as far as he knows his onion. I remember I was contacted by Chief Oyuki Obaseki to coach the team, but I declined when I saw the way the team was handled by the management. The management of a club should be devoid of tribal sentiments; it has to be purely business and results. I wish the team well and hope the fortunes turn around for good as quick as possible.
How do you think the club (Insurance) can be revived?
As I said, with good management, good coaching crew and finance, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
What is your assessment of Nigerian defenders? Can you compare them with those in your days?
There is no comparison. In those days we used to have tall defenders, but I wonder if we still have tall players playing football again. I think it could be better if we can fish out tall defenders from the grassroots and solidify our defence.
You had a distinguished career as a footballer winning Nations Cup. Can you tell us the highlight of your career?
I started my soccer success with Insurance after beating Rangers 3-0 in the final of the FA Cup in 1978 at the National Stadium, Lagos. I was called up to the national team and was in Brazil preparatory to the 1980 Nations Cup, which we won at the National Stadium, Lagos beating Algeria 3-0 in the final under coach Oto Gloria. Thereafter, I represented the country at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. I left Insurance to join Iwuayanwu Nationale, then known as Spartans of Owerri. Unfortunately, we didn't win laurels, but we made our mark in Nigerian football. I later joined Abiola Babes where club management was at its best. Then, Chief Moshood Abiola (late) pumped money into the club and players benefitted from that. He was not tribalistic. I had scholarship then to go for a coaching club in Brazil.
What were your best and worst moments as a footballer?
My best moment was when we won the African Cup of Nations, because then President, Shehu Shagari, gave us national honours, houses and cars. My worst moment if I can remember, was when I played for BCC Lions of Gboko, where I didn't record any success with the club. It was a miserable two seasons for me and the club.
Who was the most dangerous striker you played against?
Yes, that was the late Rashidi Yekini. He had all the qualities of a great striker, the height, skills and shooting ability. I played against him during the FA Cup semi-final and it was hell stopping him with all my strength as a right- back. He contributed to the country's success at the Nations Cup and World Cup in 1994. He was in a class of his own.
What are the challenges a Nigerian coach faces while on duty?
Firstly, lack of free hand to operate. Management interference in team selection or formation is not acceptable. They forget the fact that a coach doesn't come into their office to tell them what to do, so management should allow the coach to do his job when it comes to field matters. They could advice but the management should not feel bad if a coach decides not to accept its advice. Every coach has his reason for his action and should be ready to face the music when things go wrong. Another problem is lack of finance; without finance ideas cannot materialise. If match bonuses are not paid as at when due, it kills players morale and there is nothing a coach can do rather than try to urge the players more.
People say the Eagles squad that played at the country's first ever appearance at the World Cup in 1994 in the US is the greatest ever. Do you agree that the '94 squad was better than the 1980 team?
I won't subscribe to that notion because I was part of that 1980 squad. We were a formidable team with good players in all departments of the field. From Segun Odegbami at outside right, Adokiye Amiesimaka, outside left, Kadiri Ikhana and myself at the left back and right back respectively. There was also the late Muda Lawal, Aloysius Atuegbu and other great players. Anyway, both teams (1980 and 1994) won the Nations Cup, which were the only times the country won the competition. On the light side, I would say we both achieved the same result but we were better.
What is your assessment of Nigerian football?
We are not where we should be in the realm of football both at the national and international levels. The dwindling level of our football has given the opportunity for spectators to switch allegiance. In our playing days, the stadiums were always packed full. Soccer fans started saving money for weekends to watch matches, but nowadays fans turn to European leagues, at the detriment of our local league. It is pathetic that a league match is on and very few spectators are at the stadium, while other soccer-loving fans are at home watching Arsenal versus Chelsea or Barcelona versus Real Madrid. I think we need to do more in bringing spectators to the stadium to watch our league matches.
Are you thinking of coming home to give back to the game?
Yes, as I said earlier, there is no place like home. I want to give back to the society that made me. I have garnered experience in soccer development and hope to share what I got with any local club or at the national level, God willing.
With the present state of our football administration, will you allow your kids to play for Nigeria's national teams?
It is not for me to decide for my kids to play for their fatherland because my father did not decide for me. If the opportunity presents itself, I will advise them to grab it because there is nothing sweeter than serving your country. However, I will advise those in charge of the management of our football to turn a new leaf and change the fortunes of our football for the better.
Finally, what is the way forward for Nigerian football?
We should look inwards and sharpen our grassroots development drive because this is the way to soccer success. We should also forget about bickering and tribalism; we should come together on a roundtable and forge ahead as a nation both politically, economically and socially. Success in these three areas will have ripple effects on our sports and social life.