Newly appointed coach of the Nigerian U20 team Paul Aigbogun is one man whose appointment didn’t go down well with many Nigerians who are not in the know about his abilities as a coach.
Owngoalnigeria.com brings to you five reasons why the Enyimba international coach will succeed as coach of the Nigerian team popularly referred to as the Flying Eagles.
1. Experience In Bringing Players Through
Although he hasn’t handled any of the youth teams of Nigeria. Aigbogun has however played a big role in the formation of players most notably during his stint as coach of Warri Wolves.
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Oghenekaro Etebo had his breakthrough at Warri Wolves during his time as coach of the club. His time at the club was also the most productive for the club in terms of results and transfer of players abroad. Ekigho Ehiosun, Daniel Akpeyi and Gbolahan Salami all played under the soft spoken coach at Warri Wolves.
2. Capable Assistant Coaches
The Nigeria Football Federation did a very good job in selecting coaches to assist Aigbogun as head coach of the team. Abdul Maikaba is widely viewed by many as one of the best coach in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and his team Akwa United according to many are the most tactical, technical and entertaining team in the league.
Coach Bala Abubakar took the league by storm last season when he lead unfancied Niger Tornadoes to the final of Nigeria’s premier cup tournament, the Federation Cup. Ironically his team lost to Akwa United, who were also coached by one of the asistants of Aigbogun in Maikaba.
3. Cool headed & Tactically Sound
If there’s one area where the coach has an edge over his contemporaries, it has to be his ability to stay calm under pressure. A very vital tool in the management of young footballers.
Aigbogun is not the coach who loses his rage easily, and the way he sets his team up usually makes them very hard to beat. Many labelled him as a defensive coach but under his guard as coach Gbolahan Salami and Mfon Udoh all emerged as top scorers in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
4. Experience On The African Continent
As a coach who has gained experience by campaigning in CAF tournaments. The coach knows a thing or two about playing cup games in Africa. What is required at home and away from home.
The last U20 team of Nigeria failed to build on their 2-1 away win over Sudan in Nigeria , and it caused them a spot at the last African Youth Championship. Aigbogun is no stranger to holding leads away from home and needing to defend it at home.
5. In Tune With Modern Day Tactics
He is one coach which many still feels hasn’t gotten the recognition he deserves based on his knowledge and certification when it comes to coaching. A British trained coach, his curriculum vitae is one of the richest among coaches in the NPFL.
Keeping the certificate issue aside, he has shown at Enyimba this season that he is up to date with the trends in terms of football tactics. So far he has experimented with a back three, a false number nine and also the 4-3-3 system. His tactical flexibility has helped his team put together a seven game unbeaten run.
Osas Mahawi
