Villarreal, Valencia Back Spanish Brazilian for Nigeria U17 Coach > 자유게시판

The Nigeria Football Federation NFF has received strong endorsements from Spanish La Liga clubs Villarreal and Valencia for Roberto Bianchi, a Spanish Brazilian coach, to take the helm of the Nigeria U17 team. Bianchi, 57, with a rich coaching background spanning Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Jordan, Angola, and Uganda, is a contender for the position recently vacated by the NFF.

Bianchi's coaching journey includes a notable two year tenure as the head coach of Angola's national team from 2017 to 2019. If selected, he would break new ground as the Nigeria U17 team's first foreign coach since its inception in 1985.

The LaLiga outfits, where Bianchi has contributed as a scout, have submitted a letter alongside his application, advocating for his appointment. This letter highlights his scouting work in Africa, particularly his analysis of U17 AFCON games in search of emerging African talent for the clubs.

A senior member of the NFF's technical committee disclosed that while Bianchi's application, bolstered by the La Liga clubs' support, will be considered equally alongside others, the likelihood of his selection is slim. The NFF has a preference for an indigenous coach to lead the U17 team, reflecting a broader inclination towards local expertise in nurturing young Nigerian talent.

Editorial

The candidacy of Roberto Bianchi for the Nigeria U17 coaching job, supported by heavyweight endorsements from Villarreal and Valencia, brings to the fore a significant conversation about the direction of youth football development in Nigeria. Bianchi's extensive experience across continents, coupled with a on African football, positions him as a unique candidate capable of infusing international best practices with the rich footballing culture of Nigeria.

The debate between choosing a foreign versus a local coach for national teams, especially at the youth level, is not new. It touches on deeper issues of identity, self reliance, and the best pathways to develop homegrown talent. The NFF's inclination towards an indigenous coach is understandable, given the importance of cultural understanding, local engagement, and the nurturing of young players in a familiar environment.