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Nigerian football has "switched the price tags"... giving value to
value-less while undervaluing the truly important.
by Ifeanyi Abanu

I think it is finally time to change a lot of things. Nigeria needs players passionate and hungry for success. We need to use past mistakes as learning tools.

Allnigeriasoccer.com caught up with the USA - Argentine coach of Sunshine Stars (NPL), Rodolfo Zapata who has indicated to coach Nigeria National Team. Regarding his activities in Nigeria, Zapata said:

Rolo Zapata
 

Zapata: I am not a simple football coach. I did not come here to lose. I am training people to be successful in football and in their life.

Fortunately, in Sunshine Stars FC I have in my coaching staff people like Mike Idoko as General Manager, and Olubunmi “Bunmi” Balogun as my assistant coach.

They have the same idea in mind: to be consistently good as possible. Then my job was merely to keep everyone focused on that goal and not to look at quick fix ideas or succumb to the pressure to change. We knew we had a good plan that would stand the test of time if we persevered.

Are you ready to accept the challenge to be Head Coach of the Super Eagles?

Zapata: Positive. I think it is finally time to change a lot of things. Nigeria needs players passionate and hungry for success. We need to use past mistakes as learning tools.

NFF must renew their ideas or improve on chosen projects or programs, so as to improve the football in this country. My goal is to teach the new Super Eagles an elusive trick: how to win important games and how to win in international competitions. Nigerian football is not as developed as it should be.

I have the ability to look ahead and to accurately predict what is likely to happen in the future based on what is happening in the present. The first step is to have clear objectives and unity of purpose to create a winner organization.

My objective is to build a winning organization means creating a culture that will live through succeeding generations. It means building with a long-term perspective.

How do you intend to achieve your goals if you are appointed as the coach of the Nigeria National Team?

Zapata: Nigerian football has "switched the price tags"... giving value to value-less while undervaluing the truly important.

The Super Eagles needs to set high standards for the National Team, and then start to chase them. These goals should be specific, difficult and challenging… but realistic. Nigeria needs to prepare two different paths to success, short term and long term, and learn how to balance them. Nigeria needs players who are proud to defend the national colours.

Regarding tactical aspect, I have a winning mentality. Napoleon said, "No great battles are ever won on the defensive". I agree, your team cannot win by playing it "safe". To succeed in any competitive battlefield, you must seize the initiative. You must always be attacking, moving forward, continually innovating in new and better ways.

Sometimes those goals require risk… not like the Super Eagles showed in South Africa 2010.

 

 

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