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Tag: keshi

  • Half time drama: Keshi walks out on Eagles

    Half time drama: Keshi walks out on Eagles

    The magical words that Super Eagles’ coach Stephen Keshi told his team at half time that inspired their comeback from three goals down against Atlas Lions of Morocco in the quarter-finals of the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) decided on Saturday, has finally been revealed.

    SportingLife learnt exclusively from South Africa that in the dressing room after the first 45 minutes, a stern Keshi told his players, “You people think you can shame me? You want to shame me? It’s not me o, it’s yourself,” and then walked away. Assistant Coach Daniel Amokachi then addressed the players.

    Apparently, the message sank in, because when the Eagles returned for the second half, it was with full vitality. They scored two goals within 10 minutes while the equaliser came during extra time.

    SportingLife recalls that the coach’s reaction was the same at half time in the Eagles’ third group match against South Africa and Nigeria came out smoking in the second half to win the match 4-2.

    Keshi, however, later showered praises on his team for living up to expectation and tipped them to win the competition if they continued to improve.

    The ‘Big Boss’ was quoted as saying, “The boys have been awesome in the competition so far, most especially in the match against Morocco. The team is getting better per game they play. They are a bunch of players that want to learn and they are learning fast. They actually proved their fighting spirit quality against Morocco. They proved they can fight in a very tight situation.

    “So, the boys have shown clearly that they can go all the way to win the trophy that is if they don’t rest on their oars.”

  • Eagles’ goalkeeping department: ‘Keshi needs to work hard’

    Eagles’ goalkeeping department: ‘Keshi needs to work hard’

    A football administrator, Emmanuel Adesanya, on Saturday in Abuja advised coach Stephen Keshi to improve the goalkeeping department of the Super Eagles at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    Emmanuel Adesanya, the Head of Inter-Clubs Competition Department, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), gave the advice as Nigerians bask in the euphoria of the Eagles’ victory over the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eagles rallied from three goals down to win 4-3 after extra time in their quarter-final encounter in Cape Town, South Africa.

    The win gave the Nigerian side a semi-final ticket in their maiden appearance at the competition which is for players featuring in domestic leagues on the continent. However, Adesanya told NAN that the three goals scored by Morocco were cheap goals the goalkeeper should not have conceded.

    He said the team’s entire defence line was also weak and needed to be strengthened before the next game.

    “I must tell you that Nigeria is yet to arrive when it comes to the goalkeeping department. Chigozie Agbim is not the best that we have. I don’t know why Keshi is insisting on him. He is always giving people heart attacks because a time may come that we may not be this lucky. The three goals scored by Morocco were uncalled for,’’ the NFF official said.

    Adesanya, however, expressed joy at the victory stating that the team brought joy to the country.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL) board, Emeka Inyama, on his part said the 4-3 win was a miracle victory.

    “It is always not easy after three goals down the line for a team. But the Eagles played a quality match by equalising and winning. Keshi has done a great job,’’ he said.

    Inyama, however, noted that the semi-finals would be tough, stating that Nigeria nonetheless would surely win the trophy.

    Ahmed Kawu, the Chairman, Nigeria Nation-Wide League (NNWL), said Nigeria had really prayed for the victory, and it was God who gave the country the victory.

  • Keshi Roars: It’s victory or nothing

    Keshi Roars: It’s victory or nothing

    • Studies tape of Morocco

    Super Eagles Head Coach Stephen Keshi has expressed optimism on the ability of his boys to outrun the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the quarter final match of the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) today.

    The Big Boss who spoke with SportingLife from Capetown, South Africa on Friday, said he has studied the video tapes of all the matches played by the North Africans, and has discovered that they are very good in counter attacks and make good use of the wings effectively.

    “We have seen those things and the boys have been told on what to do to checkmate them. We would be able to march them in every departments of the game,” Keshi said.

    The former International said he has advised his boys to maintain a hundred percent concentration and ensure that they take their chances as they come. “I would not want the match to drag into penalty, because penalty is anybody’s game. Though, we have perfected our penalty kicks, but I would not want it to get to that stage,” he added.

    Nigeria finished runners up in Group A with Six points while Morocco finished tops in Group B with Five points.

  • Keshi’s pep talk kept us going — Shehu

    Keshi’s pep talk kept us going — Shehu

    Abdullahi Shehu, a Super Eagles midfielder said Coach Stephen Keshi’s pep talk helped to raise the level of the team’s performance in the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

    Shehu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Cape Town that the current harmony in the team was unique and that the team was like a family. The Kano Pillars FC player added that they had put the 1-2 defeat by Eagles of Mali behind.

    “That’s what motivated us to perform well in our remaining two games that we played, because when we lost the game the coach came to us and came by our side and talked to us. He encouraged us, ‘Hey boys, let’s do it; we can still do it; I believe in you; relax your minds and play your normal game; that’s football; put the loss behind you that game is gone. If you really want to go far in the tournament you have to improve your performance in the remaining two games.’ He always came to us to encourage us, ‘I believe in you.’ He always encourages us so that we will not let him down.’’

    Shehu added that the players were fully focused on the match against the Atlas Lions of Morocco today in Cape Town; which he described as a must-win match.

  • Keshi: I’ll take four home-based to Brazil

    Keshi: I’ll take four home-based to Brazil

    •Thanks Nigerians for birthday wishes

    Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has set his sights on including three or four home-based players in his final squad for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

    Keshi while thanking Nigerians for the goodwill messages on his 52nd birthday on Thursday, also assured that the team will not disappoint Nigerians in the on-going African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    The ‘Big Boss’ said although the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) did not give him any mandate or goal going into the CHAN , his desire is to identify some players from the ongoing tournament that he will take to the senior World Cup in South America.

    “My aim is to have about three or four players make the team to Brazil World Cup,’’ he said.

    Keshi then hailed Nigerians for their best wishes to him on his birthday. “I thank all Nigerians for their concern and wishing me a happy birthday. I truly appreciate it. Thank you very much,’’ he said.

    Keshi told newsmen in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday that the Eagles had a chance of winning the trophy, like other teams in the tournament. He said the team doctors were working hard to treat injured players before the quarter-final match against Morocco today.

    Keshi, who did not predict the outcome of the match against Morocco, said his players would give a good account of themselves.

    “We will do all we can do to be there till the end of the month when the tournament ends. We are working on the injury problems of the team,’’ he said.

    Keshi said all the 16 teams that came for the tournament were good, “though some could not make it beyond the first round, that does not make them bad teams.’’

    The coach also said his team did not play under pressure against South Africa.

    “There was never any pressure on my team. We just came in here to have fun, for the players to gain experience in playing higher level of football in Africa. We are not under any pressure. They are having fun and that is what I want them to have and enjoy their game,’’ he said.

  • No CHAN target for Keshi

    No CHAN target for Keshi

    Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi, has declared that he has no target of winning the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) from his employer, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    Keshi’s team recovered from a stuttering start against Mali to win their last two matches against Mozambique and South Africa to set up a quarterfinal contest against Morocco.

    The Nigerian trainer has now eased himself of any pressure stating that he was never handed “a mandate to win the CHAN.”

    “I’m happy the team have turned things around and we are taking each game as it comes. We are focused on each game as they come and I must tell you that I don’t know of a mandate (from the Nigeria Football Federation) to win the CHAN,” Keshi told supersport.com.

    Keshi, who turned 52 on Thursday, took time to express gratitude for the assistance and support he has received from different quarters since he assumed the head coach role of the Nigerian men’s national team in November 2011.

    The former Mali and Togo manager was also full of appreciation for the surprise birthday celebration he got at the team’s Green Court Hotel lodgings in Cape Town but remained focused on the clash with Morocco.

    “I feel really good to be alive and well, and I’m happy to be here (in South Africa with the team). The atmosphere has been good and I can’t thank God less for what I’ve achieved with this team.

    “I’m also speechless and at the same time happy with the celebration. It’s always good to feel loved and appreciated by people but I’ve told the team it’s not party time as we can’t afford to take our eyes off the ball. We are very focused on the next game (against Morocco),” Keshi said.

    Since becoming Nigeria’s head coach, Keshi has guided the Super Eagles to win the Africa Cup of Nations and qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

  • Keshi shifts birthday bash for Morocco

    Keshi shifts birthday bash for Morocco

    Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has insisted his 52nd birthday will not be celebrated until “we have achieved what we came to do in South Africa”.

    Keshi clocked 52 on Thursday, but said the birthday has to wait as Nigeria prepare to take on Morocco for a place in the last four of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    Keshi said: “As a matter of fact we have suspended any form of celebration till we achieve what we came here to do in South Africa”, he said.

    The management of Green Court Hotel, however stole time during lunch hour to celebrate the coach, as the staff pulled out birthday balloons and cakes for the former Anderlecht of Belgium and Strasbourg of France skipper.

    The players also sang the happy birthday song for Keshi, who was a bit taken aback by the spontaneity of the event.

    “All these for me? I’m surprised but very grateful”, the coach said as he admired the birthday balloons in the dining hall.

    Birthday wishes have poured in from everywhere for ‘Big Boss’.

  • Echiejile: I will work harder at Monaco

    Echiejile: I will work harder at Monaco

    Super Eagles defender, Elderson Echiejile, has promised to work harder after joining top French Ligue 1 club, AS Monaco last week.

    Speaking in an interview in Lagos-based Brila FM on Monday, the former Insurance ace revealed that his winter switch will increase his chances of making Stephen Keshi’s squad to Brazil 2014 World Cup. He also spoke on other football issues. Excerpts…

    What influenced your decision to join Monaco?

    I am familiar with France having played there before. Monaco is one of the best teams in Europe, with the best set of players. It was the best decision for my career.

     

    How difficult was it for you making the choice despite other offers?

    It’s the perfect move, a good move for me and so I did not hesitate.

     

    How ready are you to make your debut?

    I am ready and I am looking forward to start playing for such a great team.

     

    Monaco have stars like Eric Abidal, Ricardo Carvalho and Radamel Falcao in their fold, how do you feel having them as teammates?

    They are all great players, its a pleasure to have them as my team mates and I hope to learn from them.

     

    Do you see Monaco winning the title?

    Yes, we are second behind PSG currently. Monaco have the chance to topple them at the top and win the league.

     

    There are other Nigerian players in France, have you contacted them?

    Yes, I have been in touch with Vincent Enyeama, who is happy I’m back in France.

     

    The home-based Eagles beat South Africa on Sunday at the CHAN, what can you say about them?

    All I can tell them is to play together as a team, by so doing they can achieve greatness.

     

    Nigeria are grouped alongside Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina at the World Cup in June, what are the Eagles chances in Brazil?

    It is the chance for us to do our best. We have a very good chance to advance to the next stage of the competition.

     

    With the current setting in the Eagles, do you see the team soaring high in Brazil 2014?

    Yes, we have talented players and all the qualities to rule the world. All we need is to concentrate fully, work hard and stick to God.

     

    Do you think your move to Monaco will increase your chances to make it to Brazil 2014?

    Yes, but I will work harder to make it.

     

  • Keshi hails Agbim

    Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles coach, hailed the performance put up by his team’s goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim insisting that he displayed a man-of-the-match outing.

    “It was a man-of-the-match performance he put in for the team,’’ he said.

    Keshi said the goalkeeper had learnt from his previous mistakes and made amends in the keenly-contested match against the hard-fighting South Africans.

    “We all make mistakes and I believe that Agbim has learnt from his past mistakes, and I want to also commend all the players for putting up a good performance in the match,’’ he said.

    However, the head coach of Bafana Bafana, Gordon Igesund, on Sunday in Cape Town said the Super Eagles deserved their 3-1 win against his team.

    The coach said at the post-match news conference that “the Nigerian side not only brought their physical approach to bear on my team, but did the needful to win the pulsating encounter’’.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the win by the Eagles was in their final Group A match at the ongoing 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.

    The win meant hosts South Africa exited the championship with four points from three matches, after Mali topped the group with seven points and Nigeria came second with six points.

     

  • I’m waiting for Keshi’s return — Okpala

    I’m waiting for Keshi’s return — Okpala

    Sylvanus Okpala, who was recently sacked by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said on Saturday he would make no further comment on the issue.

    Okpala told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that he would wait for Keshi to return from his trip to the United States before making any further comment.

    The former assistant coach said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos. Okpala, until the termination of his appointment on April 10, was the second assistant coach to Keshi.

    It would be recalled that the NFF had wanted to sack Okpala in February but Keshi had to prevail on the body to save his assistant.

    “I’m waiting for Keshi to come back. He is my boss, as far as being a coach is concerned, and we will discuss this. I don’t want to talk about it on the pages of the newspapers for now, I want to do things the right way. Because Keshi was instrumental to my being appointed as an assistant coach,’’ Okpala said.

    When asked about the terms of his contract as regards issues such as his sack, Okpala, a member of the 1980 Green Eagles squad that won the AFCON in Lagos, told NAN that he had a written contract with the NFF.

    “All I can tell you is that I have a written contract, that’s all I can tell you for now,’’ he added.

    It would be recalled that the NFA recently carried out an audit of the Super Eagles’ technical crew which affected the salaries and also resulted in the laying-off of several backroom staff.