Yusuf Mohamed has backed Shaibu Amodu to lead the team to a successful African Nations Cup campaign.
Nigeria defender feels under-fire boss can lead team to success
Yusuf Mohamed has backed Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu to lead the team to a successful African Nations Cup campaign and a positive World Cup.
The defender was speaking prior to the Super Eagles 0-0 draw with Zambia in Durban on Wednesday in their final practice match before they kick off their campaign against Egypt on Tuesday.
Nigeria are aiming to win their first African crown since 1994 - and many feel that Amodu's job will come under threat unless they return home to Lagos with the title.
Amodu's position came under threat during qualifying for the World Cup when the Super Eagles needed Mozambique to beat Tunisia in the final group match to ensure Nigeria's safe passage to South Africa.
"I know that people always talk about the experience of getting a foreign coach, but we have got all of the training method that are done in Europe," Mohamed said.
"Shaibu also has the experience because he has coached here in South Africa. He has been good with motivating the players, and we all know that if you have a problem then you could talk to him."
Amodu has had a love-hate relationship with the Nigerian Football Association for most of his coaching career and has been in the hot seat no less than four times, but has never lasted more than a year, often with a European coach being preferred for big tournaments.
The 24-year-old Mohamed also believes that his team-mates are capable of coming away triumphant in Angola, where they have Egypt, Mozambique and Benin waiting for them in Group C.
"Winning the tournament should help us with a preparations for the World Cup," he added.
"At the moment the team is confident and working hard in training. We've been staying together, know each other and are all like a family at camp."
