Abuja – Kashimawo Laloko, the Assistant Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said on Saturday that the country’s football has suffered another setback following the death of Coach Shaibu Amodu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Amodu, a foremr Super Eagles coach, who died on Friday, three days after he spoke to NAN on the demise of a former Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, who he described as a legend.
But Laloko in his reaction to Amodu’s sudden death said the NFF would find it difficult to get a replacement for the four-time Super Eagles Coach.
“I am the closest person to Amodu in the technical area of NFF; it was a shock to me when I heard news of his death and I do not know what will happen to our football.
“I suggested Amodu when NFF was shopping for my replacement as technical director because I believe he knew the job.
“He was quite innovative, hardworking and his communication skill was excellent.
“I know almost all the coaches in Nigeria but I cannot recommend anyone as Amodu’s replacement, I am telling you the truth.
“I do not know how this gap will be filled; it’s difficult to find someone like Amodu because of his commitment and dedication to work,” Laloko said.
He however, said that only those on the NFF Technical committee could get close to the qualities exhibited by late Amodu.
Laloko, a former manager of the Pepsi Football Academy, urged Nigerian coaches to regularly go for check-up, noting that coaching was a job associated with stress.
“The pressure from the job is too much as well as the pressure from the employers, family and the public.
“When I was there, I was called all sorts of names including a thief, while some said that I was the problem of our football then.
“Some said I only came to enjoy money, while some threatened to stone me any day we lose a match.
“So, these are some of the things that can cause heart attack for coaches,” Laloko added.
He regretted that the past and present leadership of the NFF apart from that of Abdulmumuni Aminu, had failed to take the issue of coaches welfare serious.
Laloko, James Peters, Adegboye Onigbinde and the late Amodu were among NFF’s tested and most experienced coaches’ instructors. (NAN)
