Former Super Eagles defender George Abbey praised the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) choice to employ a foreign coach for the Super Eagles.

Following the Super Eagles' recent poor performances against South Africa and Benin Republic, the NFF indicated earlier this month that an expatriate would be appointed to lead the squad.


The West Africans held Bafana Bafana to a 1-1 draw at home before losing 2-1 away to the Cheetahs.

Nigeria sits sixth in Group C with three points from four games.

Abbey also suggested that hiring a foreign coach will help the club maintain discipline.

"I believe these players, particularly the foreign-based players, must respect the head coach," George stated on Brila FM.

"I don't see any local head coach who would demand the necessary respect to lead this team. So I feel it is the correct move to seek out a skilled technical adviser who can steer this team in the proper direction, enforce discipline, introduce the appropriate mentality, and hopefully have these players playing in the right way, willing to give their all to the national team."