Jozi Gist Sports caught up with football analyst, Emmanuel Akura Adaa of Planet TV’s, Football Clique and Weekend Football show for an exciting interview about the current state of African football, the FIFA saga and Jose Mourinho.
Do you think the NFF is moving in the right direction by appointing Sunday Oliseh as the head coach?
Sunday Oliseh as the head coach has been what many Nigerians has yearned for over the years. The NFF has made a step in the right direction. Sunday Oliseh understands Nigerian football and he is a disciplinarian; that’s one key area that we have been lacking over the years.
Bringing in a coach who understands both African and European football systems is good for the development of football in our country. He is bringing in his ideas and vast experience which will help nurture our young footballers who grew up watching him with the national team.
Do you think the Super eagles will miss Vincent Enyeama as the captain?
To give you my very candid opinion, the super eagles won’t miss Vincent Enyeama as a captain. I was disappointed with the way he handled the altercation with Sunday Oliseh.He did not show the maturity required of a captain of a national team.
I will be an ingrate not to acknowledge his contributions towards the growth of Nigerian football over the years but he compromised our national football for his self-seeking respect. In my opinion, he was one of the bad eggs in Nigerian football and I am happy he left. Trust me we are not going to miss him.
What are your thoughts on John Obi Mikel rejecting the vice-captain role?
I think John Obi Mikel didn’t see himself as part of Sunday Oliseh’s long term plans. I am happy with the decision taken by mikel because I believe Ahmed Musa is a better fit for the prestigious role.
Are you impressed with the quality of African football today?
No way. We started very well in African football but somehow along the line we lost it. I remember in the early 90s, we had the likes of Senegal, Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia and few others who were doing very well. Back then, we had players who were giving you 100 percent but today our players give only 30percent to the national level and reserve the other 70 percent for their club sides.
What are the problems you notice in African football today?
In African football today, it has become all about the money and not passion anymore. The top players seem to let fame and money get into their heads.
Africa also needs to put infrastructures in place that will be conducive to our youth systems so that as they are coming up they will have that zeal to play for Africa and in Africa.
Which country do you think is likely to be the first African team to win the World Cup?
That is a tough one to predict but I will say Nigeria…that might sound funny to a lot of people but Nigeria is the fifth highest exporter of talented footballers on earth.
What are your thoughts on the FIFA scandal going on?
Funny enough I am not surprised. I saw this coming…I mean I have seen instances where questionable decisions have been made in past FIFA competitions. Decisions that make you ask yourself, “Is this really fairplay?” I just pray the investigations end soon and we can all enjoy the beautiful game once again.
Who would you like to see as the new FIFA President?
Michel Platini
Looking at the English Premier League, Which team are you tipping to win the league this season?
I will say Manchester city they are well organized, have a good coach and players that can fight so yeah I will go with them.
As a Chelsea fan, do you think Jose Mourinho is still the right man for the job?
Yes mourinho is still the right man for the job.It Is true that Chelsea is having some off field problems that has affected the team but I am sure mourinho will be able to pull us out that situation and take us back to where we all wanna be. Sacking him now will cause the club more harm than good.
Do you see Chelsea beating Liverpool over the weekend?
Yes it is very possible if they play as a team and put behind them all the negative things that are going on off the field. I am predicting a 2-1 score line. A Chelsea win of course….I will walk from South Africa to UK If Liverpool beat Chelsea (chuckles)