I don"t want to be the reason Nigerians are divided - Enyeama begs

Nigeria’s most capped footballer, Vincent Enyeama, on Saturday, apologised to Nigerians for the controversy surrounding his exit from the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama
| credits: liveofofo.com

The goalkeeper, on Thursday, following a clash with the coach of the national team, Sunday Oliseh, had announced on Instagram that “I am out of the team. I am no more available for international duties.”

Oliseh on Tuesday had stripped Enyeama of the captaincy of the Super Eagles and handed it to CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa, forcing the Lille keeper to end his international career in controversial circumstances.

The goalkeeper, on the social networking site, alleged insults to his late mother as well as being thrown out of the national camp by hotel security in Verviers, Belgium.

But the coach, while debunking the claims on Friday, expressed sadness over Enyeama’s retirement from the national team, which he said had turned many fans against him, following the team’s 2-0 loss to Congo in a friendly on Thursday night.

Enyeama, on his Instagram account on Saturday, however, expressed sombreness, saying he was “humiliated,” which led him to quit the national team.

“Who would be happy after just burying your mother that carried you nine months in the womb and suffered for you day and night, jumping on a six-hour plane to represent your fatherland only to be stripped of the captainship and humiliated at the first meeting in front of everyone after serving the nation for 13 years?

“I have honoured about 99 per cent of the national team’s invitations, no matter where the match is played. Anyway, my decision to quit the national team is for the best interest of the nation. I don’t want to be the reason that Nigerian football house is divided.

“I want Nigeria to get back up to where it belongs. It’s a professional decision made for the blessing of the nation. I am very sorry for being the reason that all these things are happening. God bless Nigeria,” he said.

Meanwhile, there were indications on Saturday that the Nigerian Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, held talks with Enyeama in Brussels, Germany, in a bid to convince the veteran player into changing his mind about his sudden exit from the Super Eagles.

I don"t want to be the reason Nigerians are divided - Enyeama begs

The battle and final fall of Coach Keshi

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

A former Nigerian football coach got more than what he bargained for after he was fired on July 4, 2015 by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over what it termed as “lack of commitment to achieve the Federation’s objectives as set out in the Coach’s employment contract.”

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi
Credit: Punch

Stephen Keshi was once rated as a messiah when he took over the National team, Super Eagles in November 2, 2011. He signed three years contract with the Nigeria Football Federation after taking over from the former coach, Samson Siasia

His songs of praises finally came to a halt when the NFF announced his termination two months after he signed another two years contract in 2015.

Keshi secured his high place in Nigeria football history after he led the team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa by defeating Burkina Faso by 1-0; for the first time in 19 years.

Gradually, Keshi ‘s pride started taking over, he locked horns with the NFF who gave him the contract, and his relationship with his top players like Osaze Odemwingie went sour. The NFF described the Big Boss as he is fondly called, as a very stubborn and uncontrollable individual.

24 hours after he returned from AFCON in 2013, praises flowing in from different parts of the countries to congratulate his effort and for making history.  Keshi announced his resignation on a South African Radio blaming the NFF disrespect for his action, and it took the intervention of the former Senate President David Mark to persuade him to change his mind. He also announced he had numerous contracts in queue for him

The ex-Super Eagle coach continued to enjoy the treatment of a coach as an official of the NFF who didn’t want his name mentioned said he was enjoying the closeness of the Presidency and some top government officials which led to the reason the NFF could not push him aside.

A sport Analyst and a journalist with African Independent Television, Jide Ogunleye described the incident between Keshi and NFF as unfortunate. He said “He (coach Keshi) knew the new board of NFF didn’t like him as he was enjoying the influence of the former President   Goodluck Jonathan”.

“The Football Federation had refused signing him again but President the President influenced the decision to fire him and made sure he was retained.

On August 23 2013, Keshi had a fallout with Belgian Tom Saintfelt.  He accused coach Keshi of being a racist over a statement he made on United Kingdom-based African TV show, Vox Africa’s Sports360 in which he said “He (Saintfiet) is not an African person, he is a white dude, and he should go back to Belgium”.

The fallout came after the team defeated Tahiti  6-1 at the Fifa Confederation Cup at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, and was defeated by Uruguay 1-2 inside the arena Fonte Nova in Salvador in Brazil.

November 16, Keshi took the Super Eagles to the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil for a fifth appearance after defeating Ethiopia 2-0 in Calabar and Junauary 9, the Big Boss got the reward of  his several winnings by clicking the Africa Coach of the year.

The more Keshi showed his coaching strength, the more he crossed lines and accumulated enemies. Adding to his previous fallout with the NFF, the Big Boss rejected the suggestion of a foreign assistant coach and requested for his assistants, Sylvanus Okpala.

Just like the coach, indiscipline crawled into the team. The Senate President was shocked in Brazil when the players demanded for 25 percent of the money the federation was expecting from the FIFA for the first round matches.

The players threatened not to play the match against Iran which eventually ended in 0-0 unless the requested percentage reached them.

Though Keshi apologized to Mark, who is one of his backbone and a pillar behind the reason the NFF were soft with him.  The apology was not taken seriously by the Federal Government delegation and the NFF who described the move by the team, headed by Keshi as a national disgrace, according to an official who didn’t want to be named.

The same money fight was reported from the USA camp as they had put NFF on notice over money before they boarded the flight to Brazil.  A year before that, the Super Eagles team had embarked on a strike in Namibia over match bonus during FIFA Confederations Cup

Both Nigerians and NFF as a body believed that the poor performance by the players was as a result of the money fight, hence blamed Keshi for his inability to control his team.

After Nigeria loss to France in the World cup second round in June 2014, Keshi announced his resignation as the Nigeria head coach for the second time but hang around as requested by the NFF, since there was no new appointed coach to take over from him

In October 2014, according to Supersport report, the embattled coach was fired along with his assistance. 14 days later, he was reinstated after the NFF decision was again overruled by the President, Goodluck Jonathan.

After the Presidential election in March, it was obvious that Keshi would lose his position. Many believed that he should have left when he had the chance but he didn’t think the former President will lose to the former Nigeria dictator, Muhammadu Buhari.

After Jonathan handover to the new President, Keshi was finally fired on July 4, 2015 after he signed a new contract in May, for lack of commitment to achieve the Federation’s objectives as set out in the Coach’s employment contract.

Justifying the NFF’s action, the Sport analyst, Jide said “He breached his contract; no employer would take what he did applying for another job while you are still on existing one. It was published by the Ivorian Daily Paper, a full list of coaches that applied for the post of the Ivorian National Coach. If Keshi denied applying then who forwarded his credentials and CV for application?”

Effort to make the Secretary General of NFF, Mr. Sunusi talk on the issue proved abortive as he said he will not talk on the Federation former employee.

The battle and final fall of Coach Keshi

Keshi demands N1b compensation from NFF

Sacked Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has demanded a compensation of a billion Naira (more than $400 million) from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for defaming him.

Last week, it was reported that Keshi had dragged the NFF to court for “wrongful dismissal and defamation”.

A top source told said “Keshi’s lawyers have demanded for a billion Naira from the NFF as compensation for defaming their client.”

The letter from the Kaduna-based law firm was received by the NFF on Friday.

Keshi was sacked by the NFF on July 5 after the NFF disciplinary committee investigated various allegations against him.

This was four months after the 53-year-old coach signed a new two-year contract after his initial three-year deal with the NFF ran out at last year’s World Cup in Brazil.

 

Keshi demands N1b compensation from NFF

NFF fires Nigeria Coach, Stephen Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has been fired by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Saturday.

Though the details of the sack was not given to journalist, but findings revealed that the action of the NFF may be as a result of Keshi’s application for a coaching job with the Ivory Coast national team.

 

Keshi had in recent times denied continuously the speculation that he had applied for a coaching job with IC, but the NFF had equally vowed to fire him should the speculation be proven to be true.

 Both the NFF spokesman, Ademola Olajire and Keshi’s manager, Emmanuel Ado confirmed the development which took most Nigerians by surprise.

 

NFF fires Nigeria Coach, Stephen Keshi

Sacking me won"t solve Eagles problem - Keshi

..says he’s the right coach for the team

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is adamant that he is the right man to lead the Super Eagles into the future.

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi
Credit: Punch

Disaster struck last week for Nigeria when they failed to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament they won in its most recent edition, 2013.

Keshi, who was relieved of his duties before being recalled for Nigeria’s last two qualifying matches, does not feel that firing him again would be the way to go.

“If a team fails, sacking the coach won’t solve the problem. The authority should look beyond the coach to find solutions to the problem.

“I can’t deny it is a shame that we failed to qualify. On my part, I failed the nation but my players took South Africa for granted, a match they needed to win,” Keshi said.

Keshi’s agent, Emma Addo, also feels that the former Super Eagles AFCON winning captain is not to blame for the team’s current failure.

“No explanation will be acceptable now by Nigerians, but Super Eagles problems go beyond coaching. If some issues are not resolved, no one can succeed for long with the team,” Addo told the sl10.ng website.

“We shouldn’t forget where Keshi picked this team from in 2012, almost same place like they are now, but nobody cared about how they got there, that is why it happened again,” Adoo added.

 

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Sacking me won"t solve Eagles problem - Keshi

I can do without Eagles job, says Keshi

Super Eagles head coach Stephen Keshi has shrugged off the issue surrounding his contract extension with the country’s football federation, NFF saying his “destiny” is not tied to the Super Eagles job.

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi
Credit: Punch

The African champions face their Congolese counterparts, the Red Devils, at the Stade Municipal in Pointe-Noire in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match this Saturday which Nigeria must win by a two-goal margin to put life back into their hopes of defending their title.

The 52-year-old coach is yet to be offered a new contract since his first deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) elapsed after the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

But Keshi has now stated that contract talks is not an issue at the moment. He added that his future is not dependent on the Nigeria head coach job.

The former Mali and Togo manager believes there is life after managing the Super Eagles should he not be handed a contract at the end of the 2015 Afcon qualification.

“I don’t think it is proper to say my fate is tied to this (Nigeria) job. My concern right now is the game against Congo, and not whether I will still be in charge of this team after the match against Congo or South Africa.

“I think you all need to stop this because my destiny is not tied to Nigeria. I came from somewhere (to take up the Nigeria job). It is wrong to say my destiny is tied here because this country is bigger than any individual. If I am not the Super Eagles head coach today, my life will still go on. Also there are other places where I can go if I stopped being the coach of this country.

“But right now, I have a job to do and that is to ensure that the team qualifies the country for the Nations Cup. God forbid if we don’t qualify what will happen? It will not only affect Stephen Keshi, it will also affect you and every other Nigerian who love this sport. So I think this is not about Stephen Keshi but about Nigeria. All I want from my countrymen is to pray for the team and not me because I am just one man,” Keshi told journalists in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Keshi has been in charge of the African champions since November 2001 and has overseen more than 50 matches as the Nigeria head coach, including their 2013 Afcon triumph and appearance at the 2014 World Cup.

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I can do without Eagles job, says Keshi

It’s a shame Keshi agreed to come back – Ex-international

By Tony Ubani

Ex-international, Chike Arisa called from his base in Holland to make enquiries on Nigerian football. He was overjoyed that Chris Giwa had agreed to sheath his sword for the good of the game but he could not come to terms with the news that Stephen Keshi agreed to come back after being shown the exit door by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi
Credit: Punch

“It’s scandalous. It’s a shame that he even agreed to come back”, Arisa , one of the beautiful brides of Nigerian football in the 80s said.

Arisa who played for Nigeria’s big Clubs – ACB, Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Bendel Insurance and tickled souls with his mastery of scoring goals in the Green Eagles under the tutelage of coaches Adegboye Onigbinde and Paul Hamilton advised Keshi to quit when the ovation was loudest.

“Keshi remains a hero in Nigerian football. But he should know when to remain a hero before he falls to zero. With our performances at the World Cup and the catalogue of poor results thereafter especially in the AFCON gualifiers, I think Keshi should have read the handwriting on the wall. Nigerians will lynch him if he fails”.

Arisa who embraced the headlines as one the highest goal scorers of his time predicted that Keshi’s second coming could spell disaster for Nigerian football.

“In all honesty, I don’t see Nigeria doing well under him. He desperately needs help to impart something in the players. His technical bench is empty. What value can Amokachi add to him. Nothing. I see that Ike Uche one of the best forwards of Nigeria he left out for reasons only he knows has been recalled. That is where the problem starts. Ike Uche might not sparkle under him. The Keshi I know hardly forgives. He will not want people to laugh last if Ike comes back to do well. He has lost that commanding role and the players are not comfortable with him, again”, Arisa said on our hotline.

Arisa wants a foreigner who is not biased and with interest on youths from our clubs to step in to salvage our football. “Imagine inviting players from China? Our local players are better than them. If we want to stop incessant frictions over bonus and all, we need a foreigner. Indigenous coaches are sentimental with their selections”.

Arisa also advised President Jonathan to pay attention to the myriads of problems in the country and allow those elected to run football in the country to run the game.

“How will Keshi relate with Pinnick since he knew that his help comes from the Presidency? The President has sown a seed of discord in our football without knowing it”.

Before he dropped, Arisa asked; “what happened to the many offers I read that were on the table for Keshi?

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It’s a shame Keshi agreed to come back – Ex-international

NFF crisis: Giwa resumes, recalls Keshi

Palpable tension has gripped the Bayelsa waterways after pirates at separate incidents killed four policemen and abducted six other persons in Nembe waters, Nembe Local Government Area on Friday.

Keshi
Credit: vanguard

It was gathered that the gunmen also seized a gunboat belonging to the Nigeria Police in an incident that occurred at about 1.30pm on the fateful day.

The gunboat was said to be escorting a barge owned by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) when it came under attack.

It was gathered that the hoodlums, who operated on a speedboat, laid ambush for the gunboat and opened fire on the policemen.

They were said to have overpowered the police, killed and pushed them into the water and took control of the gunboat.

It was learnt that the incident which occurred along Santa Barbara and Nembe waterways caused panic among travelers.

The development was said to have delayed the movement of persons travelling to Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area, for the funeral of the uncle of a former governor of the state, Tmipre Sylva.

Most of the guests for the burial were said to have waited at Ogbia jetty till after the gunmen finished their operation.

A security source who pleaded anonymity said the hoodlums were not interested in the Agip barge and its occupants.

He, however, said three policemen and the gunboat operator were killed after the gunmen hijacked the boat.

He identified the boat driver as a civilian, adding that the bodies of the policemen had since been recovered.

He revealed, “Policemen escorting Agip barge were attacked on Friday. The gunboat and the policemen were all taken away. The policemen were three including the driver of the boat making them four. The barge and its occupants escaped, because the gunboat was the target of the pirates. This incident happened along Santa Barbara and Nembe route at about 1.30pm. The pirates were after the gunboat and the arms.”

In a separate incident, six persons working for a company identified as Icon Xearex, an oil servicing firm, have been abducted at Oluasiri in Nembe.

It was gathered that the pirates attacked a boat owned by the company in the early hours of Friday and took the workers away.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in state, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said he was in Abuja for a program and could not comment on the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Valentine Ntomchukwu, when reached for comment, claimed to be in a meeting.

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NFF crisis: Giwa resumes, recalls Keshi

Why we prefer foreign coach to replace Keshi - NFF

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick has explained why his Board  prefers a foreign coach to replace the last indigenous coach, Stephen Keshi who was relieved of his assignment last week by the federation.

Pinnick while speaking on a radio programme in Abuja said the steady downward slide of football in the country has necessitated the decision which he insisted was to rescue the beautiful game from total collapse.

The president who also spared a thought for the domestic league and its poor state explained that the coach when engaged would work with some experienced Nigerian coaches with the intention to to expose them to some new techniques of the dynamic game.

According to Pinnick, the foreign coach that would be employed must be a sound person who must in addition to his primary responsibility of coaching the national team would equally monitor the Nigerian league and select gifted players.

The NFF boss who said he shared in the sentiments of those who were calling for the hiring of a local coach however stressed that this might be the last foreign coach to work in Nigeria because ‘’by the time he is through with his assignment a lot of Nigerian coaches would have learnt a lot from him and ready to succeed him.

“We are not going for low quality coach this time around. We are shopping for a sound coach who will present before us a comprehensive programme of how he intends to turn around the Super Eagles as well as the Nigerian league. Our choice of a foreign coach would be one who will be ready to look into the league, travel to Warri to watch Warri Wolves, to Lafia to watch Nasarawa United etc.

“Any experienced foreign coach will certainly value his name more than the money he is to earn. He will invite and pick the best of players and that is what we are going to give Nigerians with the coming of a new foreign coach in our mind”.

Pinnick also spoke on the existence of a rival board led by Chris Giwa and efforts he has made to restore peace in the nation’s football. He said that he has spoken to Giwa, Chief Rumson Baribote and other aggrieved stakeholders pleading with them to sheath their sword in the interest of Nigerian football.

“I won an election that was recognized by both FIFA and CAF.  I beg Nigerians to beg Giwa for me. I have made overtures to Giwa, Baribote etc. Let them know that this position is meant for only one person and I am the one today. I have begged them to team up with the board for the interest of Nigerian football.” Pinnick concluded.

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Why we prefer foreign coach to replace Keshi - NFF

NFF shops for Keshi’s replacement

There are very strong indications that Stephen Keshi will not continue as the Super Eagles coach, on interim or permanent basis, after the match against Sudan in Abuja on Wednesday. The PUNCH learnt that three factors have contributed largely to his continued stay as the Nigeria coach despite the humiliating 1-0 loss to Sudan on Saturday.

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi
Credit: Punch

The decision by the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, to hold far reaching discussions with his members; the need to also brief higher authorities and the search for a quality replacement have combined to keep Keshi on the driving seat going into the reverse match against Sudan billed for Wednesday. Our correspondent learnt on Monday that Keshi could be asked to step aside after the Wednesday match.

A member of the NFF board who spoke with The PUNCH on Monday said that a meeting of the Federation had been fixed for 8pm on Tuesday and that the meeting billed for Abuja will take the decision on the way forward with the national team.

He said, “You know that the decision to ask Keshi to go or continue is a major one that can’t be taken by just a few persons. The board is meeting on Tuesday and I know that all the questions will be answered by that meeting.”

Another person with deep knowledge of the happenings at the Federation told our reporter that the search for a good manager is also slowing down decision.

“The search is on for a replacement. What has been the challenge is the closeness of the matches to each other but I guess that will be taken care of very soon with a bold manager to take the challenge.”

A former Sunshine Stars goalkeeper coach, Segun Oguns told SuperSport Keshi should be dropped instantly.

Oguns said another coach other than Keshi could comfortably qualify Nigeria for the biennial event in Morocco by going ahead to win Sudan on Wednesday as well as the other two games against South Africa and Congo.

“I think it’ll be a dashed hope for Maroc 2015 AFCON if Stephen Keshi would still take charge of the game against Sudan on Wednesday as well as the other two games involving South Africa and Congo.

“I strongly believe with a new coach on the saddle we can win Sudan but not with Keshi still in charge.

“With Keshi still taking charge then we must prepare our minds for another uneventful game against Sudan as his penchant for going around picking new players has failed to lift the team.

“Eagles under Keshi made the likes of Congo and Sudan become superstars, countries that ordinarily couldn’t withstand the onslaught of our domestic teams.”

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NFF shops for Keshi’s replacement

Keshi has lost it - Victor Ikpeba

Ex-international, Victor Ikpeba was among the  galaxy of stars who witnessed Delta FA Chairman Melvin Amaju Pinnick enthroned as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Ikpeba was happy with the decision of the delegates to vote a young man who loves challenges, a young man who could bring corporate organisations to support football, a man whose passion for football knows no bounds. But above everything, Ikpeba looked beyond the elections and raised alarm that coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi was stifling the Super Eagles.

‘’For how long will Keshi build the Eagles?’’, he asked and waited for no answer. ‘’He has been building  this team since 2012 and still wants to continue building in 2014. No. What type of builder is he? His success in South Africa where he won the Nations Cup was a collective effort’’.

He has placed us on the hard corner of qualification for the Nations Cup in Morocco. While Nigerians are gritting about their chances, he has invited rookies for the must win matches against Sudan. Keshi needs to ask himself questions. He should be a critic unto himself.

He is either blaming the players or attacking even ex-internationals who criticize him.

He has invited rookies to the national team. He is busy excluding the best players because of his personal interest. My brother, Keshi has lost it’’, Ikpeba said.

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Keshi has lost it - Victor Ikpeba

I want to continue as Super Eagles coach - Keshi

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, has expressed his desire to extend his contract with Nigeria.

The AFCON-winning coach in a chat with africanFootball.com from his base in the United States said:”Yes, I met with Deji Tinubu in Lagos before heading out for America to see my family.

“It’s my country, I am ready to serve. I have started something I would love to finish.”

However, Keshi quickly added the working conditions for his new deal have to be better than what he had previously.

“But I cannot work the way I worked last time. It’s not possible! All my staff, no!no!!no!! We have to be professional, everybody has to do what they are supposed to do,” he stated.

“I cannot be paying another staff salary, when I am not the Nigeria Football Federation. We will see how it goes. If the conditions are met, we will be there, no wahala.”

In the meantime, the NFF has disclosed to africanFootball.com that it will forward a letter of intent for contract renewal this week to the former Super Eagles captain.

Tinubu, the Head of a three-man committee for Keshi’s contract renewal, said: “We have made tremendous progress.

“We will first send a letter of our intent for a renewal of his contract and expect a reply from him as quickly as possible.

“This would allow us to start working on the terms of contract. We would have our terms and we know he would have his terms. But we would be working in such a way that we would arrive at an agreeable term that would suit both parties and then hopefully he signs.

“We can’t put a time limit on this, but we hope we are done with it as quick as possible considering that we have a game in September,” Tinubu stated.

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I want to continue as Super Eagles coach - Keshi

Nothing ‘ll make me change my mind to coach Eagles again – Keshi

Former Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi has confirmed Sports Vanguard’s breaking news on his parting of ways with the Nigeria Football Federation.

We also told you more than three months ago that Nigeria Football Federation was not interested in renewing Keshi’s contract. Keshi has confirmed all our exclusives in this  interview  below.

Nigeriacoach Stephen Keshi talks about ‘resignation’Stephen Keshi has parted ways with the Nigeria Football Federation. This is the true situation and not that the Nigerian coach has resigned. His contract with the federation ended with the World Cup and the Federation is not planning, as we exclusively reported more than three months ago, to renew the contract.

Keshi is likely to pick the job he has been offered by South Africa.

Q: Knowing what you know now, what would you have done as regards the preparations of the team before this World Cup?

A: I would have loved to have had them in camp a lot earlier. The European season made a little bit difficult as I did not want to have only one half of the squad in camp before the others joined.

We had less than two weeks to perfect our plans and it showed as it was only when we got to the tournament that we started picking up our rhythm. We had only three friendly matches which are really not enough to get ready for a tournament like this. So, those are what I would have liked to change.

Have you really quit your post?

Yes. I have done my bit. I am tired of all the intrigues and backbiting and insinuations I get. The criticisms are nothing really because even siblings criticise each other. In this job sometimes it goes overboard and my family and those of my players get called names.

I have had to tell the players many times to ignore those criticisms and just focus on the tasks at hand.

There are many Nigerians who support you. Many who would like to see you continue the work you started with the team. Can you not change your mind for them?

The same ones who were calling for my head after the Iran match? That “the World Cup is too big for Keshi”? I know there are many who truly support what we have been trying to do over these past months but I just cannot continue in this job anymore.

To start with, my contract ended with the last match and the Federation never approached me for a renewal. What does that say? It says to me I’m not wanted. I am going to go and rest, spend some time with my family and then hopefully get another job where I am wanted.

After the Afcon win, President Goodluck Jonathan intervened and sorted things out. What if he does this time?

As much as I respect and appreciate the number one citizen of the country I am afraid that this time it is going to be difficult. I am totally done with some of these people.

If you were the Sports Minister of Nigeria what is it you will do or try and put in place to make the job of the national team coach a lot easier?

Make the Federation pay his salaries on time and those of his assistants. Build a training centre and facility for the national team to train. We never had anywhere decent to train. The Abuja National Stadium is filled with sand and the worst kind of sand. That means when someone goes to ground he will have skin wounds.

I and my assistants spend our own money to buy training cones and some of the things we use for training sessions. In most countries of the world when a coach is hired he brings in his own coaching team. Well for two years now I have been told to pay the salary of my assistant Valery Houandinou, someone who has been with me from Togo through to Mali – where those countries paid his salary alongside paying mine.

In two and half years, I had no official residence. I stayed in a hotel. I had no official car. I thank God for Chief Mike Adenuga for those two cars he gave to me after the Afcon win. However, these federation officials will continue to trumpet that “they gave Keshi everything to succeed.

Mali is one of the poorest countries in Africa but I was given my place of residence and an official car within three days of me taking on the job. I also had a house in Togo and was never owed salaries.

What will happen to the young players you have built up into internationals as it means that Nigeria is losing out on the continuity that you staying on would have brought on?

Well, there is a nucleus of a team to work with there so a new coach will have the players there. In my mind I could set out two equally strong squads with the players available to me.

However, the new coach might come in and say that these players would not fit into his style and so it will be. Not going to be my problem again (smiles).

Clearly your experience with Togo and Mali has helped you at this job?

Oh, without a shadow of doubt. God took me to those countries to give me the experience of dealing with people. It is far more difficult to work in your own country I have just found out. When I qualified Togo for the Afcon and the World Cup I got their national honour and diplomatic passport.

Such was their gratitude. They make you comfortable and of course results followed. God was awesome in taking me through that route.

Did you take a risk with the squad you took to the tournament?

I did not take a risk. From the training camp and from the friendly matches I chose the players I believed would give me what I wanted on the field. People say I took players to sell them and I laugh.

Michael Babatunde has not even started playing. Ramon Azeez will be a top player and he has a big heart. It is unfortunate for Reuben Gabriel that he has suffered a lot with injuries because he has every attribute to be a super player. Many Nigerians who are sincere know his qualities. I trust that he will come through.

But would you be his or their coaches then?

No. My job with Nigeria is done. I just hope who comes in will give them the opportunity to showcase their talents. When I took over there was no standing team and I had to build from scratch really but am gone.

I have loved serving my country but I believe I am done.

An interview Keshi granted  thecable.ng after the defeat by France in Brasilia

 

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Nothing ‘ll make me change my mind to coach Eagles again – Keshi

Keshi is confused - Emmanuel Babayero

Atlanta 96 Olympic Gold medalist, Emmanuel Babayaro has reacted to Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi’s denial about his resignation from his role.

Keshi was widely reported to have resigned from his role after Nigeria’s loss to France in the round of 16 after a meeting with his players.

However, Keshi denied he has resigned yesterday saying he bid his players farewell because his contract will expire after the World cup and he hasn’t been offered a new one.

Babayaro known for his fearless stand on issues described his denial as that of a confused man.

“When I read about his denial, I felt disappointed because he failed to convince me with his side of the story” He said.

“To start with he didn’t deny he wished his players bye, if he truly have hopes of continuing he won’t address his players so fast, at least let the pain of crashing out subside a little, and maybe hear from the NFF bigwigs before telling his players he might not continue like he claimed.

“To me he is looking for attention and maybe he is at cross roads over to stay or leave, he appears confused a bit as he loves Nigeria and his job.”

The owner of Pioneer football club also urge the NFF hierarchy to address the issue of Keshi’s stay or departure with all urgency as the 2015 Africa Nations cup is around the corner.

“Our first qualifier for the Nations cup in 2015 is less than two months away,we should be concern with players invitations not who will handle the team?”

“The NFF most move quickly,make a decision on his future to avoid panics when the qualifiers are close or begin. “

Africa champions, Nigeria are grouped with Sudan, South Africa and a yet to be known team after the third round of qualifiers is decided.

 

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Keshi is confused - Emmanuel Babayero

Keshi can go - NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will not stop Coach Stephen Keshi from vacating his post as Super Eagles coach, after the ‘Big Boss’, as Keshi is fondly called expressed his desire to step down following Nigeria’s ouster from the World Cup.

Vice president of the NFF, Mike Umeh spoke about Keshi’s impending departure and confirmed that they will not be standing in Keshi’s way as he has decided to quit.

“We cannot stop Keshi from moving if he wants to. He is a grown man and knows what is good for him. If he so desires a greener pasture, then we can’t stop him, it’s up to him to decide,” Umeh said.

He however denied claims that the NFF have not been supportive of the former Togo coach, saying, “It’ll not be fair to say we haven’t supported Keshi. We have given him tremendous support, more than anyone could imagine. So the thought that he hasn’t been adequately supported isn’t true.”

Umeh also spoke on the possibility of getting a new coach in time for the 2015 Africa cup of Nations qualifiers expected to start soon.

“I’m sure a new coach will come in immediately Keshi’s departure is finalized, so that shouldn’t be a problem,” Umeh noted.

Immediately after the loss to France, another NFF top gun, Deji Tinubu tweeted, ‘and off his goes to S.A’, which obviously confirms Keshi’s exit.

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/nff-keshi-can-go/#sthash.SwGvovc5.dpuf

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Keshi can go - NFF

Eagles will fly over France, says Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has declared that his team has no option than to win against France when they clash in the round of 16 on Monday.

Though the Eagles are the underdogs, Keshi stated before they left Campinas for Brasilia that his team’s mentality is strong and for them, it has always been nothing but a win each time they are out to play a game.

“I said before the tournament that our mentality must be strong. Our approach to every match has always been the same: to win.

“Whether we are playing against Spain at the FIFA Confederations Cup or playing against Liberia in a friendly match, I always tell the boys that victory is non–negotiable.

“For us, we will go into Monday’s match aiming to win. But as I also said before the competition, we take it one match at a time.

“We don’t even want to think of who might be lurking in the quarter finals if we win; we are not bothered. All we know is that we must win on Monday.”

France top group E with seven points and they have played some excellent football unlike in 2010 where they were dumped in the preliminaries. With their arrays of stars in all departments they have left no one in doubt that they are candidates for the trophy.

But all that will to win the world cup will be put to test when they face the Eagles at the 72, 000 capacity Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, the second biggest stadium in Brazil.

The clash between Nigeria and France will be like a reunification of Premier League stars as six Nigeria players Joseph Yobo, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, John Obi Mikel, Kenneth Omeruo, Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses will face the likes Patrice Evra, Hugo Lloris, Mathieu Debuchy, Loic Remy, Moussa Sissoko, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Olivier Giroud Arsena) and Mamadou Sakho Liverpool all who play in the EPL.

 

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Eagles will fly over France, says Keshi

How we ‘ll beat Argentina – Keshi

Stephen Keshi has one thing to tell Nigerians:“Always be patient. Don’t write off any team in a tournament until that tournament is over.”

Keshi was referring to the super performance of the team on Saturday night here.

He did not sound boastful but he was extremely excited that the boys lifted their game and earned a deserved victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The 1-0 victory has placed Nigeria’s one leg in the second round.

“It was tough against Iran but Nigerians didn’t know how difficult they were until they saw Argentina struggling with them. We knew what we did wrongly and worked on them before the match against Bosnia,” Keshi continued in an exclusive chat Saturday.

“I’m proud of the boys. They did well. But we all need to do more. We play Argentina tomorrow and we will give it our all. Argentina are world class. They are good and they have many good players. We will rely on our team work. Team work will see us through.”

The Super Eagles coach knows that individual game would not lead Nigeria anywhere going by the stars in most of the teams here. Many Nigerian players were not making the first team of their clubs before the World Cup. And to put them to shape, he needed time. But the camping period was less than two weeks and that worked against his plans.

“The time for preparation was short. We couldn’t do all the things we wanted to do. But we are gradually getting it right and, hopefully, we will get better in our team work and get positive results”.

The emphasis on team work probably led to the benching of Victor Moses whose individual play had become a minus to the team. Moses would likely learn from the performance against Bosnia and change his game. Keshi is not ruling any player out but strongly maintains that team tactics should prevail. Osaze Odewengie played well in the eyes of many against Iran. Keshi did not dispute that. But he did not quite position himself in a particular way that could see him latch on rebounds, especially the drop nodding from Shola Ameobi. Each time the ball dropped, there was nobody to follow up. And that angered Keshi. But Osaze quickly understood and made up against Bosnia and Keshi is very happy with him and the entire team. Osaze’s goal earned Nigeria the sweet victory against Bosnia.

“Everything is about team work. I think that we will play well against Argentina. We hope to qualify and move on. I plead with Nigerians to always be patient. The way they wrote us off after the match against Iran was disturbing. Let’s hope we get it right again on Wednesday.

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How we ‘ll beat Argentina – Keshi

Nigeria vs Iran: Keshi blames Osaze, says he didn"t play to instruction

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has given several explanations on why the Super Eagles failed to beat the Iranians in their Group F World Cup match played in Curitiba, Brazil on Monday.

The Nigerian team which featured professionals from the European leagues were highly tipped to beat the Iranians that paraded mainly amateur players from their domestic league. Ashkan Dejakah of Fulham is Iran’s biggest star in Brazil.

Keshi told the international media after the game that a few things didn’t follow the script including Osaze Odemwingie’s contribution to the match that ended goalless. The coach lamented that the Stoke City striker failed to play to instruction and that caused the Eagles setback.

He said, “The Osaze you are talking about didn’t do well. Osaze did not play to instructions and that affected the team.”

Keshi was responding to questions to his tactical formation and why he waited until late into the game before introducing the striker.

The popular opinion amongst the fans and media at the stadium in Brazil was that Osaze made a lot of difference when he got on the field and indeed had the only meaningful shot at goal against the Iranians.

A former captain of the Eagles Austin Okocha was one of those who were critical of Keshi’s approach to the game. He told the BBC the team needed creative players in that encounter.

He said, “This was a must-win for Nigeria but we did not take it. We did not do enough, we were poor. Keshi did not do enough work on the team. The tactical play was so bad, I hold Keshi responsible for this.

“Osaze (Odemwingie) was more creative when he came in, and we needed more in this game.”

Osaze who was one of the only the four players who had been to the World Cup in the Nigerian squad was a 69th minute replacement for Ramon Azeez.

Keshi said though the defensive stand of the Iranian affected his team, he was firm and right with his starting 11 and the substitutions he made in the game.

The media has criticised the Nigerian coach for leaving out Ike Uche who was the most prolific Nigerian striker in the last season.

Nigeria will play their second Brazil 2014 match on Saturday against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cuiaba city. The Bosnians lost their opening game to group leaders Argentina.

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Nigeria vs Iran: Keshi blames Osaze, says he didn"t play to instruction

World Cup: Okocha attacks Keshi over Super Eagles draw with Iran

Super Eagles Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has said Coach Stephen Keshi should be held responsible for the lame approach the team adopted in the goaless draw against Iran last night.

Speaking as an analyst on Supersport after the match, Okocha said, “Keshi should be held responsible for the way the team played. Before the match he said African teams are tactically not disciplined and he did not bring anything new to the table.

“His changes were poor. He took out Moses and brought in Ameobi. I think that was a wrong change.

“We saw how Osaze came in and showed a lot of creativity. That is the kind of thing we expected. Iran match would have been our strongest point but we missed it.”

Meanwhile, Coach Stephen Keshi has said that the Super Eagles did their best to defeat Iran.

Speaking moments after the match, Keshi said that “I wanted victory in this match, in fact, I want to win all the matches but this is football, that even when you dominate a game, you still don’t get the resultt

 

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World Cup: Okocha attacks Keshi over Super Eagles draw with Iran

Brazil 2014: Osaze, Yobo, Agbim make Keshi’s list

Ahead of FIFA’s May 10 deadline for the submission of final list of players selected to represent their countries at next month’s World Cup in Brazil, the Nigeria Football Federation Tuesday released a provisional list of 30 Super Eagles players for the mundial.

The list comprised of four goalkeepers. They are Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim and Daniel Akpeyi.

The team’s defenders selected for the mundial are Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Joseph Yobo and Kunle Odunlami.

Also in the team are  John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Ejike Uzoenyi Sunday Mba, Gabriel Reuben,  Nosa Igiebor, Joel Obi and Michael Uchebo. Others are Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie , Babatunde Michael,Uche Nwafor and Nnamdi Oduamadi.

The list which was read out by the Head Coach of the team Stephen Keshi was

released after he held a three-hour meeting with the NFF Technical Committee at the Glass House in Abuja.

He further stated that the final list of 23 players who would represent the nation in Brazil would be released on June 2.

Last Monday Keshi had insisted  that he was not arm-twisted by members of the Nigeria Football Federation to include or drop any player in the list.

He said he had a free hand from the NFF to select the best players for the World Cup, but he was not averse to taking advice from well-meaning Nigerians on squad composition.

According to him:, “The NFF is our parent body and should be concerned about team composition for the World Cup, because the body is made up of well-meaning Nigerians. But to be honest to Nigerians, nobody in the NFF has come to me to say pick player A or B. They respect my job as the head coach and I respect them as my employers and there is no clash of interest.”

 

Brazil 2014: Osaze, Yobo, Agbim make Keshi’s list