Olofinjana reveals why he turned down NFF role

Seyi Olofinjana has stated he has no regrets about turning down the opportunity to become the technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation while explaining his decision

Before Augustine Eguavoen was named technical director of the NFF, Olofinjana, who won over 50 caps for the Super Eagles, was approached for the job but he declined.

The former Wolves midfielder is the technical director at Grasshopper Zurich, having joined Switzerland’s most successful club in May.

He is the latest African to hold such a position in Europe after compatriot Michael Emenalo held similar positions at English Premier League side Chelsea and French club Monaco.

“It was difficult, but at the same time, easy,” Olofinjana, 41, told BBC Sport Africa, on turning down the opportunity to work with the NFF.

“I think the federation made it a little bit easier for me to make that judgement call. There were certain questions I asked of the federation that they weren’t able to answer.

“What needs doing? Where do they think we are as a nation? Where do we need to get to? How quickly do we need to get to those places?

“I didn’t get answers to those questions and that is the day-to-day job for me. If there’s no clarity, there’s no going forward.”

Olofinjana insisted he wasn’t regretting his decision, but says he could still work with the federation one day.

“Do I regret saying no? Absolutely not. Is there a part of me that thinks it could be a good opportunity for me to go and put myself in the history books and try to help my people? Absolutely! I’m still looking for that opportunity.

“I’ll continue to knock on the door. Any day. I don’t know the day. I’m Nigerian. I can’t change that.”

Olofinjana made his Nigeria senior national team debut in 2000 and was part of the country’s squad at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.