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US U-19 national team coach, Michael Nsien, tells ‘TANA AIYEJINA about his managerial journey from Tulsa FC, coaching in Africa, his Nigerian roots and more, in this interview
How has the experience been coaching the US U-16 and U-19 teams?
Working with the best players of a country that’s well over 300 million is a privilege. The sport has gotten its roots in the US and it’s amazing to witness. We can compete and win against anyone in those ages.
How demanding is the job of raising US future football stars?
It’s a very fine balance of keeping players both humble and also inspiring them to take on the world. There’s a lot of work in our process, but the reward is amazing.
Before the USSF appointment, you led Tulsa FC to their most successful era. What was the secret?
Camaraderie, too many times the team turned over players, that was a moment we had good core of players that helped the new players adapt to our style and culture.
The Premier League is every coach’s dream. Would you also like to manage a club there some day?
There’s no point of having small dreams. In this life you do the best you can and see where it takes you. Hopefully it’s to places you want, otherwise enjoy the experiences and the journey along the way.
Black coaches have struggled at the top level of coaching. What do you think is the problem?
The first problem is lack of opportunity. Coaches need to work, make mistakes, improve and go again. Black coaches aren’t getting the first opportunity, the few that have, aren’t getting the second. Also most jobs we seem to get have zero support and no one else wants. But we can’t say no.
African countries prioritise foreign coaches ahead of their local counterparts. How far do you think this has affected the game positively or negatively on the continent?
African countries prefer foreign and older coaches. Most of these foreign coaches are at the end of their careers and looking to collect a few last checks. You can tell that some of these coaches are not there to make a difference. They are not connected to the country. Once the time runs out and the same results exist they move on. This has stunted the growth of our own coaches who find it hard to find jobs outside.
A local coach won the last AFCON. As a coach, what does imply?
Give, young, hungry coaches an opportunity and they may deliver if the conditions are right. It won’t be from a lack of effort.
Some say the Super Eagles coaching job is one of the most demanding in the world. If you get a call to manage the squad, will you take it?
It is one of the most demanding for sure. One reason being that there are over 200 million opinions about the coach and team selection and performance. I know I would only thrive with that type of push. As a Nigerian American coach, I definitely believe I can achieve a lot for Nigeria with the talented crop of players we have. I would also do it in the style that Nigerians want to see. Brave, relentless, with flair.
African coaches like Sunday Oliseh, Pitso Mosimane and Ndubuisi Egbo have done great jobs outside Africa, yet coaches from the continent are still not in demand, what do you think is the problem?
We know that we are a population of people that people want to neutralise. The only thing we can do is to keep pushing forward and when the opportunity comes, take it with both hands. Don’t look back.
What can you bring to the Eagles squad if you are called up for the job?
I could have the squad defensively disciplined, but have the balance better in the attack. We have too many top attacking players to sit back and take pressure. Get the players to be galvanised and feel valued by the federation and within the team, and win.
What are your goals as a coach?
It’s to continue to strive for greatness, control what I can control, but always be in pursuit.
What are your best and most challenging times as a coach?
I think it’s normal to have ups and downs, the toughest is to stay calm and never get too high or too low.
Are there coaches you admire their coaching philosophy?
I admire anyone who is brave enough to change the game. Guys like (Arsene) Wenger, Pep (Guardiola), (Jose) Mourinho and now (Roberto) De zerbi
Your dad is from Eket in Akwa Ibom State. How connected are you to your Nigerian roots?
Many of my father’s relatives are still there (Nigeria). I’ve always made an honest attempt to stay close to my family. Knowing where you’re from is an important part of understanding yourself.
You reportedly played for Saudi giants Al Shabab at some point of your career. How would you rate today’s Saudi league with stars like Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema among others, with when you played then?
I did not play with Al Shabab, I was on trial there long time ago but did not agree to a deal. The Saudi league is obviously spending a lot of money to gain popularity. Time will tell on its sustainability. For now, at least, it’s entertaining.
How closely do you follow Nigerian football and which players caught your fancy?
The first game I watched in a stadium was Nigeria vs Bulgaria at the 1994 World Cup. I’ve followed closely since then. So, the memory of (Rashidi) Yekini grabbing the net after scoring early in the match, I will never forget. Easy to list the likes of (Austin) Okocha, (Nwankwo) Kanu, Mikel (Obi). As a defender, I also folllowed (Joseph) Yobo, (Celestine) Babyaro and others. The current squad is very talented. We will know more about this generation when we look back on their achievements.
As an age grade coach, how best do you think Nigeria can harness the teeming young talents at their disposal?
First of all, we need the young players to play quality opponents more often and also forming a culture, identity, playing style and resources to support them. So, they will always give their all for the team, with clarity.
You were part of the U-23 side that missed out on qualification for the 2004 Olympics. How devastating was it?
You could see the shock and disappointment from the players and staff. Social media was not as prominent (then) but I know the country was also disappointed. These lessons have shaped me as a person.
What was the experience like coming back home to represent your father’s country?
The sense of pride I cannot explain. In Nigeria we value our names a lot. I’m glad I was able to put my family’s name in good light and I hope I will continue to do such.
Do you regret not going on to feature for the Super Eagles?
Regret is not something I allow in my life. I know there is always a purpose for everything. Perhaps the impact I will have in football in Nigeria will be from a coaching perspective. For me that will be enough.