Speaking to newsmen in Lagos on Thursday, the NFF boss defended his decision, stressing that no local coach has the capacity to qualify the nation for the Russia 2018 World Cup.
“I cannot put our World Cup hopes on a local coach. We need a world class coach who can reshape our football,” Pinnick said.
Referring to the Egyptian gaffer, Hector Cupper, whose side ultimately knocked Nigeria out of the 2017 AFCON tournament, and has restored the north African country back to the glory days, in under two years of his appointment, Pinnick said:
“That is why I cannot compromise my decision for a foreign coach. Egypt have so many professionals abroad, but Cuper used only five and he still went ahead to get the desired result. That is why I am insisting on a foreigner for the Eagles.”