Favour Itua

The U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed US based Nigerian tactician, Michael Nsien as the new head Coach of the U.S. U-16 Men’s Youth National team on a 3-year deal.

Nsien, with over 23 years of experience as a player and coach for clubs in the United States, becomes the first Nigerian to take the reign of the U.S. U-16 Men’s Youth National team.

Coach Nsien, born in Oklahoma of Nigerian roots, holds all the UEFA Pro Coaching licenses and is seen by his peers in the U.S. as a “trail blazer” for black coaches in a sector with very few black coaches.

“I feel really good about getting this role and opportunity as a first generation Nigerian American, it is really important to me that we show that my family name, the people of Nigeria are exposed and representing in a positive way not just the U.S. but across the world.

I think this opportunity will bring life upon my name, my family and my country Nigeria as well and also as an American, i have a great sense of pride to represent our country and to help get the next generation of American players to the forefront”, Nsien said.

The 41-year-old who before now managed USL Championship side FC Tulsa for four seasons, leading the side to the MLS Cup playoffs.

Coach Nsien however hinted that this new role will open new opportunities and new experience for him.

“Coaching internationally for the United States I think puts me in a different pathway with coaching. I was coaching professionally club for five years at a second division level, I think internationally, it opens up more opportunities, more people, get to see who I’m, get to know who I’m and get to represent an entire country of 300 million people, there is a lot of pressure behind that but there is a great reward “.

It will be recalled Coach Nsien showed interest in working with the NFF but was not successful.

The Super Eagles nomadic sojourn in different cities will soon be over as soon rehabilitation work is completed at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja and the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

This assurance was made by the Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday when he visited the training camp of the Home- based Super Eagles in Abuja
According to him “The National team is the pride of the nation, no national team moves from one city to another. The Eagles deserve a permanent home ground to give them a sence of belonging and to maximize the benefits of playing at home in a regular venue. We are working with the companies rehabilitating the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja and the National Stadium, Surulere to expedite action to complete on going rehabilitation.
Once the facilities are ready, we will get the NFF to get Fifa certify the stadiums so that our teams can have a Permanent playing ground”

The Minister asserted that his dream is to see the National teams have Permanent camp as was the case in the past instead of the adhoc arrangements of inviting players to train for only few days before matches.

The Super Eagles have been made to move from one venue to another due to the poor states of the two National Stadiums in Abuja and Lagos.

Signed

Media office of the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development