It’s a fresh start, says Keshi, as he signs new Eagles’ contract
Stephen is back to coach the Super Eagles for another two years
After so many postponements, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Stephen Keshi yesterday signed a new contract that will see the former Mali coach handling the Super Eagles for another two years.
Keshi’s first two-year contract expired after Nigeria’s ouster from the Brazil 2014 World Cup, but the National Sports Commission (NSC) gave him the nod to handle the team on an interim basis following the crisis that engulfed the NFF shortly after the World Cup.
Keshi was later sacked by the new leadership of the federation, headed by Amaju Pinnick, following his inability to qualify the country for the 2015 African Nations Cup, but he was reinstated shortly after allegedly on the orders of the Presidency.
The relationship between both parties were strained even when the NFF agreed to offer the former Togo coach a new contract, but the issues were resolved late last month and they agreed to continue their relationship.
After appending his signature to the contract, Keshi described events of yesterday as ‘a fresh start.’
He pleaded with Nigerians to give him another chance, saying, “We need the support of our fans, media and every Nigerian to return the team to where we truly belong.”
According to Keshi, “as a coach and former player, I was also hurt that we failed to qualify for the last Nations Cup.
“To succeed we all need to come together as one because Nigeria belongs to us, this is not Stephen Keshi’s team but our national team.
“I understand we still have some disappointed people out there but our dedicated players deserve our encouragement and support.”
He added: “It doesn’t matter where they play, these boys always give everything and we need to stand by them and the coaching crew.
“I remain confident that this time around we will see an improvement, change in attitude and positive results.”
In his first stint on the job, Keshi combined the main Super Eagles with the home-based team, but this term he will concentrate on the A team only, with his new assistant, former Enyimba Coach, Salisu Yusuf, also tutoring the home-based Eagles.
Yusuf replaces Daniel Amokachi, who reportedly fell out with the ‘Big Boss’ recently.
Keshi did not give details of his new deal, but The Guardian learnt that apart from signing a code of conduct, he is expected to qualify the Super Eagles for the Gabon 2017 Nations Cup, as well as take the team to at least the semifinal of the competition.
Reacting to Keshi’s new deal yesterday, NFF’s Technical Committee Chairman, Felix Anyansi Agwu, said “the board is confident Keshi can take the Super Eagles to new heights.
“We want Nigerians to see this as a new beginning and to support the team and the NFF.”
Nigeria will begin its quest to qualify for the Gabon 2017 Nations Cup with a home team against Chad next month.
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5 Comments
ok we are watching. Good luck big boss
GOOD LUCK BIG BOSS!!! the “big boss” most know that football all over the world is A MIXTURE of young and younger players so, players like Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Eheanacho and some under-20 players should be given chance to prove themselves in the SUPER EAGLES..
Please follow the contract terms and avoid unnecessary conflict with your employers
To err is human but to forgive is divine, “We need the support of our fans, media and every Nigerian to return the team to where we truly belong.” says Keshi, you have the second chance already all you need to do is to perform. Shikena
Sports, in particular soccer breeds fickle minds. One good performance and all is forgotten and forgiven. I wish the Big Boss a lot of luck. It’s safer to watch over wild lions than to manage the Super Eagles!
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