Nigeria’s Technical Director, Tom Saintfiet, is now to resume officially at his duty post in May.
The Belgian is awaiting his work permit and accommodation to be sorted out by the Nigeria Football Federation.
A source within the NFF said: “Mr Tom Saintfiet should resume in May because his work permit is being processed and hopefully that will be ready in time so that he will resume next month.
“Also, the issue of his accommodation is being sorted out. So it’s all done and dusted as we expect him to resume as the country’s technical director in a matter of weeks.”
Saintfiet, who has coached Ethiopia, Namibia and Zimbabwe in the past, was appointed Nigeria’s football director in March by the NFF.
He has four years to work as football director of the African nation.
In a related development, Hilary Azodo, the former mercurial Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri striker, who is based in Finland, called from his base to say: “I was so happy that Nigeria was able to secure the services of Tom Saintfeit. I am so sad reading all manners of negative reports surrounding his appointment. This is one youngman we really need.
“I have in the course of my activities worked with him. I know him so well. That guy is going to do a lot to change the face of football in Nigeria. We really need to appreciate his onions. Yes, he is young in terms of age but that is one guy who, if given the support, will take our football to a height that will make every Nigerian happy.”
Asked what he thinks the Belgian could have done that a Nigerian would not have done better, Azodo said: “Candidly, that is a question that the Nigerian FA should be asked. For me, with the depth of football knowledge in that guy, he will be able to drive the processes with a stream of foreign professionals who are no more active to drive a model structure.
“I was with him and we discussed the details of his plans for the Nigerian football system. I am saying it with emphasis and pride that Nigeria will be far better for it. I just wish that the Nigerian FA will give him the support. You need to see his blueprint. That is the best candidate that could have aspired for that position in my own opinion today.”