Super Eagles lack structure — American coach says he can do better job than Eric Chelle

Nigerian-American coach Michael Nsien believes that the Super Eagles are underperforming compared to the level of talent at their disposal, adding that he was the right man to get a tune out of the current squad. 

The 44-year-old’s playing career was majorly in the USA: college football and the MLS. He also represented Nigeria briefly, as he was part of the U-23 squad which failed to qualify for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. 

Nsien is currently an assistant coach at Nashville, an integral member of the coaching staff that won the year's MLS Open Cup. 

He threw his hat in the ring when the NFF put out a job listing for the Super Eagles coaching job but eventually lost out to Eric Chelle.

Following Nigeria’s struggles in the qualifiers, making the playoffs by the skin of their teeth, Nsien pointed out that the team was lacking a structure which he could help provide. 

“With Nigeria, I imagine there will always be a connection because I’m a proud Nigerian descendant,” Nsien told RG’s Taye Taiwo. 

“I believe I could help provide what’s been missing in terms of strong leadership and structure. With my understanding of what Nigeria is and what it should be, I believe I could strike that balance.

“We have the talents but it has been underperforming. When I look at the players and where they come from, I want to help build the standard from the ground floor.”