JRedknapp11
10 Aug 2002, 05:14 PM
- Nigeria have named former Kenya manager Christian Chukwu as coach.
Dominic Oneya, chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), told reporters that Chukwu has been given a two-year contract after he topped Monday's marathon interview for the post of national coach.
Chukwu, who is returning for a second spell as coach, will be assisted by former national team captain Austin Eguavoen and Musa Adisa.
The new coach replaces Adegboye Onigbinde, who guided the 'Super Eagles' to the World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan.
Over 30 applications were received for the job, with 16 names shortlisted for interview.
Chukwu will be in charge of Nigeria's 2004 African Nations Cup qualifier against Angola early next month.
Officials told AFP that a foreign coach, now to be known as 'manager', would soon be named. He would direct Chukwu and oversee the other national teams.
The 52-year-old 'Chairman' Chukwu is returning to the national side after he was dropped from the post at the end of the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
As a player, he captained hometown club Enugu Rangers to four league titles as well as four FA Cup triumphs. He also led Rangers to win the African Cup Winners Cup in 1977.
He was captain of Nigeria between 1976 and 1982, leading the side to the 1980 African Nations Cup title on home soil.
Chukwu has also made his mark as a coach. He assisted Dutchman Clemens Westerhof at both the 1994 African Nations Cup, which Nigeria won in Tunisia, and the World Cup same year.
He also enjoyed stints overseas, in Lebanon and Kenya, where he guided the Harambee Stars.
However, his critics say he is too subdued and would prefer to go along with the establishment rather than 'rock the boat' as was the case when he worked under Westerhof.
****Christian talks to the media....http://www.wspsoccer.com/news/?page=details&area=1028715301
Dominic Oneya, chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), told reporters that Chukwu has been given a two-year contract after he topped Monday's marathon interview for the post of national coach.
Chukwu, who is returning for a second spell as coach, will be assisted by former national team captain Austin Eguavoen and Musa Adisa.
The new coach replaces Adegboye Onigbinde, who guided the 'Super Eagles' to the World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan.
Over 30 applications were received for the job, with 16 names shortlisted for interview.
Chukwu will be in charge of Nigeria's 2004 African Nations Cup qualifier against Angola early next month.
Officials told AFP that a foreign coach, now to be known as 'manager', would soon be named. He would direct Chukwu and oversee the other national teams.
The 52-year-old 'Chairman' Chukwu is returning to the national side after he was dropped from the post at the end of the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
As a player, he captained hometown club Enugu Rangers to four league titles as well as four FA Cup triumphs. He also led Rangers to win the African Cup Winners Cup in 1977.
He was captain of Nigeria between 1976 and 1982, leading the side to the 1980 African Nations Cup title on home soil.
Chukwu has also made his mark as a coach. He assisted Dutchman Clemens Westerhof at both the 1994 African Nations Cup, which Nigeria won in Tunisia, and the World Cup same year.
He also enjoyed stints overseas, in Lebanon and Kenya, where he guided the Harambee Stars.
However, his critics say he is too subdued and would prefer to go along with the establishment rather than 'rock the boat' as was the case when he worked under Westerhof.
****Christian talks to the media....http://www.wspsoccer.com/news/?page=details&area=1028715301