08:41 19Feb2002 RSF-Soccer-World-Fashanu backs Gullit for Nigeria job

LONDON, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Ruud Gullit should be appointed as Nigeria's new coach, John Fashanu, the country's ambassador for sport, said on Monday. Shaibu Amodu was sacked as coach on Monday following Nigeria's disappointing performance at this month's African Nations Cup, and Fashanu believes Gullit would be the ideal choice to lead the Super Eagles to this year's World Cup finals. "Names are being bandied about, but I like Ruud Gullit...he would be my personal tip," Fashanu, the former Wimbledon and Aston Villa striker, told BBC Radio. "I like his style, he's a good coach and I know him well. "I have not spoken to him but I will be submitting his name and seeing whether it carries any weight." Surinam-born Gullit, 39, helped the Netherlands win the Euro '88 title and enjoyed a glittering career with PSV Eindhoven, AC Milan, Sampdoria and Chelsea. He went on to manage Chelsea and Newcastle United in the English premier league. Fashanu also advanced the claims of Stephen Keshi, who was a member of the coaching staff sacked at the same time as Amodu. "A good combination would be Gullit and Keshi," said Fashanu. Nigeria sports minister Ishaku Mark Aku said earlier on Monday that Adegboyega Onigbinde, the head of the Nigerian Football Association's technical department, would lead the Nigeria team for this year's World Cup finals. The announcement appeared to rule out the appointment of a foreign coach. Nigeria, who were knocked out by fellow World Cup fianlsits Senegal in the African Nations Cup semifinals, face England, Argentina and Sweden in group F at the World Cup finals. For Related News, Double Click on one of these codes: [nL1874818] [SPO] [RNP] [DNP] [PSP] [EMK] [SOCC] [AFE] [NL] [WEU] [EUROPE] [GB] [NG] [LEN] [RTRS] Tuesday, 19 February 2002 08:41:20 RSF [Historical News] {C} ENDS

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002

Answers

He might do a canny job. Without the day to day involvement at club level his man management deficiencies might not cause so much harm. Undoubtedly a good coach. But a definite risk.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002

Nigeria has suffered enough.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002

Will be nice to kick his butt in the summer!

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002