How I became Muslim: Super Eagles coach reveals why he left his Catholic background

I have this double culture. My dad is Catholic, so I have two Catholic brothers. My mother is Muslim. I am Muslim, my older sister too. I was born in tolerance and respect. It is my DNA. So, when I take a group, I make sure that my group looks like me and that their values are extremely important in group life.

From the moment I respect players and staff, that is, I can explain why a player does not play, if the player needs to discuss me, he can come at any time and we have an argument.

But I want to tell him the truth to help him. Respect for man doing this. My job is to make decisions, choose the best player, but my job is also to make these players progress. And for these players to progress, I have to respect men.

My double culture helps me for that. I grew up in Marseille, a city where there is a large Maghreb community. I grew up with the Africans from the north, I was born in Western Africa, my father is white. So I can have a speech with all these communities. I have this quality, I can adapt to many situations. It is a real advantage for me.