The Nation Newspaper

Tag: keshi

  • Keshi rejects Angola’s N720m

    Keshi rejects Angola’s N720m

    Agency reports in Angola on Friday stated that Nigeria’s senior team coach Stephen Keshi rejected a four- year deal to handle the Angolan national team through its 2014 World Cup qualifiers among other future competitions.

    SportingLife scooped further that Keshi was offered N15 million per month for the four-year deal which would have fetched the Big Boss N720 million. But Keshi politley turned down the offer even when sources in Angola suggested that the country’s President, Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, intervened to convince the Big Boss to accept the mouth-watering deal.

    It was gathered further that Keshi opted to keep his Nigeria job because of his love for the country and its president, Goodluck Jonathan.

    This development has left Angolans disappointed as they had hoped that Keshi would dump his country, following the furore that trailed his return to Abuja on February 12, having resigned his appointment on issues that have since been resolved by the government.

  • All for Super Eagles and Keshi

    All for Super Eagles and Keshi

    When Stephen Oke-chukwu Keshi said in January that ‘’white coaches are not doing anything that we (blacks) cannot do’’, some people thought he was a joker.

    In support of the above, Clemens Westerhof, the Dutch coach who won the Nations Cup for Nigeria in 1994 and qualified Nigeria for its first ever World Cup finals in USA ’94 and the man who made Nigeria the best football country in Africa before the plunge started when he left, spoke thus, ‘’I will send my regards and tell him how happy and excited I am that he is in the final of Africa Cup of Nations. When they appointed him, I told Nigerians to support him. As a player, Keshi had leadership abilities. When I was leaving Nigeria, I told him to get ready to take over.’’

    Keshi, the Illah (Anioma) Delta State-born saw his new appointment as a greater challenge to affect the Nigerian society more positively; he remained focused and eventually led the Super Eagles to victory.

    Immediately the tournament took off, when the Super Eagles were not exhibiting professionalism and excellence, many Nigerians started calling for the immediate removal of the coach, which was too early and had no foundation in reality. It is a truism and abundantly clear that through patience, Super Eagles’ victory has brought another good luck to all Nigerians.

    To this end, therefore, one can proudly and happily say that Keshi is vibrant, focused and result-oriented in piloting the affairs of the team.

    For the coach, permit me to quote the words of John Quincy Adams: ‘’If your actions inspire you to dream more, do more and become more, you are a leader.’’ No doubt, Stephen is a designer with a relentless appetite for excellence. He is what he repeatedly does. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit. Like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (of blessed memory), Stephen Keshi believes in the dissemination of light to the Super Eagles, leaving them to find their way to victory.

    Keshi has got a beautiful playing and coaching career, he was captain of the squad for the 1994 FIFA World cup and played in five different Africa Nations Cup tournaments. His last club was Perlis FA in Malaysia. In 2000, a testimonial match was arranged for him in Lagos.

    As part of his efforts to always demonstrating ability, agility, and professionalism, between 2004 and 2006 Keshi coached the Togo national football team, unexpectedly bringing them to their first World Cup tournament, Germany 2006. Having secured Togo’s unlikely qualification, he was promptly replaced by a German coach, Otto Pfister prior to the finals, after Togo showed a dismal performance and failed to advance to the knock-out stage in 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

    Whatever the case may be, Pfister did not last beyond a controversial World Cup campaign that nearly resulted in a players’ strike over pay and Togo remained without a manager until February 2007 when the Togolese government re-engaged Keshi in time for a friendly match against Cameroun.

    Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has got many awards, notably among them, Africa Nations Cup (ANC) 1994 (with Nigeria); West African Club Championship, 1983, 1984 (with new Nigeria Bank FC); Coupe Houphoet Boigny, 1985, 1986 (with Stade of Abidjan); Cote d’Ivoire premier division 1986 (with Africa Sports); Jupiler League 1991 (with Anderlecht); and Belgian Cup 1988, 1989 (with Anderlecht).

    Finally, for us to continue to perform well in all areas in Nigeria, we must not be ethnic-conscious and indulge in all manners of cutting corners to make money at the expense of the country. Kudos to Stephen Okechukwu Keshi for bearing this in mind and leading Super Eagles to victory.

    • Charles Ikedikwa Soeze,

    Effurun, Delta State.

     

  • Asaba Stadium named after Keshi

    Asaba Stadium named after Keshi

    Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has named the Asaba Stadium after Stephen Keshi, who led Nigeria to win a third African Cup of Nations title last weekend.

    At a reception held at the Asaba International Event Centre, Uduaghan also rewarded Keshi with a sum of 8 million Naira as well as a duplex in the state capital.

    Keshi’s assistants, Daniel Amokachi, Sylavnus Okpalla, and Ike Shorunmu got 4m Naira each, while each player got 2.5m naira.

    Members of the team who were old and present players of Warri Wolves got N5million. They are AFCON final hero Sunday Mba, Chigozie Agbim, Azuibike Egwekwe, and Nosa Igiebor.

    MTNFootball.com reports that more state governments are in line to fete the team.

     

  • Senate stands still for Super Eagles

    Senate stands still for Super Eagles

    The Senate on Tuesday stood still for the Super Eagles.

    This followed a motion on the superlative performance of the team at the just ended African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    The motion entitled: “Nigeria’s glorious outing at the AFCON 2013” was sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and 107 others.

    No Senator wanted to be left out of the success story of the Super Eagles in South Africa as players were singled out one after the other for praise.

    Besides, consideration of the motion was one rare moment when Senators threw politics overboard, and in one accord, poured encomium on the nation’s football ambassadors.

    As if praises were not enough, the lawmakers gave a standing ovation to the Super Eagles describing them as the new kings of African football.

    The lawmakers unanimously adopted a resolution urging Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi to rescind his reported resignation in the interest of the growth of the country’s sports.

    Other resolutions are – to commend and congratulate the Super Eagles for winning the trophy and making the nation proud.

    -To congratulate Coach Stephen Keshi and his technical team.

    -To commend and congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan for this achievement and for motivating the team.

    – Urge Mr. President and the Federal Government of Nigeria to reward the team handsomely materially and also by conferring befitting National Honours Awards on them.

    – Call on the managers of sports in Nigeria to sit up and return to the grassroots to develop the nation’s abundant sports talents to sustain this new dawn in the nation’s football and sports in general.

    – To urge Coach Stephen Keshi to rescind his resignation in the interest of growth of sports in Nigeria.”

    Ekweremadu in his lead debate said the AFCON trophy had eluded the country for the past 19 years since she last won it in 1994.

    He noted that until this year, the performance of the Super Eagles had been grossly dissatisfactory to the generality of Nigerians, while Nigerian football had nosedived abysmally.

    Ekweremadu urged the Senate to note with pleasure, “the splendid performance of the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Nigeria’s emergence as champion of Africa at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in South Africa.”

    The Senate, he added, should also note with “delight the tenacity of spirit, patriotic zeal as well as unity and team spirit displayed by players, coach, and entire team management.”

     

  • ‘Emenike’s injury not serious’

    ‘Emenike’s injury not serious’

    Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike’s injury is not serious, while a scan will be carried out for Victor Moses, officials told MTNFootball.com.

    Emenike injured his right leg during the semi-final victory over Mali while shooting for goal, but team spokesman Ben Alaiya said it was not a serious injury as the doctor is expected to confirm this later Thursday.

    Alaiya said, “Emenike’s injury is not serious, he had just a knock which is minor. He should be fit for final, but we are waiting for the medical report on him which should be ready by lunch time.”

    Emenike has scored four goals so far in the tournament with two assists to top the goals chart at the African Nations Cup in South Africa.

    He suffered what look like a hamstring injury while shooting from long range at goal against Mali on Wednesday.

    Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi disclosed that a scan will be carried out on Chelsea winger Moses, who also picked up an injury against Mali.

    “We hope it is not serious and he will play the final,” said Keshi.

     

  • Onazi retains place in Eagles starting XI

    Onazi retains place in Eagles starting XI

    Lazio youngster Ogenyi Onazi will keep his place in Nigeria starting XI against Mali in Wednesday’s African Nations Cup semi final.

    Onazi was expected to give way for returnee Fengor Ogude who served a one-match suspension in the quarter final duel against Cote d’Ivoire.

    But Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has lined up an unchanged team for the match against the fellow West African nation in Durban.

    The versatile Onazi stood in for Ogude on Sunday to earn praise from Keshi for his energetic display in defensive midfield.

    “Onazi did a wonderful job (vs Cote d’Ivoire),” saluted Keshi.

    He also filled in at right back for suspended Efe Ambrose for a group game against Zambia.

    Onazi told MTNFootball.com he is driven for glory.

    “Well, it is not by my power that I did well against Yaya Toure and (Cheick) Tiote in the midfield, but the special grace of God that gave me the strength to be able to play my game,” he said.

    “Motivation is by the grace of God in my life. Step by step I am achieving my heart desire and my long time dream to not only line up among the best, but to always come out tops. That in itself is a lot of motivation.

    “Don’t also forget that we play for our country knowing the name of our family is at stake. Motivation is never missing when you are a Nigerian.”

    He also told MTNFootball.com that Prophet T.B.Joshua’s prayer has propelled him in South Africa.

    “Prophet T.B Joshua is not only my Father in the Lord, he is also a figure I look up to as well as respect a lot,” he revealed.

    “He has always been praying for me and the team, and he always gives advice which has been the key to my success and that of the team.”

     

  • Keshi, Yobo clash at AFCON

    Keshi, Yobo clash at AFCON

    Super Eagles defender, Joseph Yobo appeared to have been involved in a major falling out with Stephen Keshi, turkish-football.com reports.

    A source from the Super Eagles camp in South Africa, according to the website, said the pair are only trying to manage the situation publicly.

    Futaa.com says the problem started before the captain arrived at the team pre-tournament camp in Faro, Portugal in late December, after officials questioned his fitness level.

    The problems further escalated after Nigeria’s opening game against Burkina Faso in Nelspruit when Yobo suffered a minor ankle knock.

    The website gathered that the incident and other issues has led to an irreconcilable difference between the duo as the skipper is still hanging around out of respect for the nation, fans and some Nigeria Football Federation officials.

    There are strong indications that the player is expected to answer questions about the incident and make a strong statement at the end of Nigeria’s campaign at the tournament.

     

  • Keshi: I’ll be proud of Eagles

    Keshi: I’ll be proud of Eagles

    HEAD Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, has declared that whatever the outcome of the quarter final match against Cote d’Ivoire in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, his wards will be encouraged to hold their heads high.

    He said, so far, the players have impressed in all standards considering the time they’ve had together, adding that whatever happens after this time he will still be proud of them.

    “Cote d’Ivoire has a very strong squad and they are very experienced. They have been together for a long time now but that does not count most of the time in football.

    “We are not intimidated; the mood in camp is good, the players are focused and we are looking forward to the match,” Keshi said.

    He denied any form of pressure from his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), but admitted that the only pressure he has is to achieve the personal target he has set for himself.

    “There are no pressure whatsoever from the NFF. The only pressure I have now is the Stephen Keshi-pressure. I have my personal goals that I want to achieve and if you call that pressure, then it is pressure,” he said.

  • AFCON: Keshi sets sights on Ethiopia

    AFCON: Keshi sets sights on Ethiopia

     

    Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, has said the team will now focus on the final Group C tie against Ethiopia on Tuesday.

    Nigeria and Zambia battled to a 1-1 draw on Friday.

    The Nigerians again could not defend their lead as they allowed defending champions to fight back and cancel out Emmanuel Emenike’s 57th minute opener on Friday.

    The two teams have recorded two points apiece in as many matches, while Burkina Faso which trashed Ethiopia 4-0 in Friday’s second match leads with four points.

    Ethiopia has only one point from the same number of matches.

    “We wanted the three points on Friday with due respect to Zambia, they are a great team and have been together for the past four years and also they are the defending champions.

    “All the same, I’m happy with the result.

    “We just have to get ahead and forge ahead against a very good Ethiopia team,” MTNFootball.com quoted Keshi as saying on the team’s last match slated for next Tuesday.

     

  • Keshi puts birthday ceremony on hold

    Keshi puts birthday ceremony on hold

    The pressure of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in South Africa has meant that Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi will put aside any plan of celebrating his 51st birthday.

    Keshi turned 51 on Wednesday but the tactician is said to be more concerned with his side’s preparation for Friday’s epic clash with African champions, the Chipolopolo of Zambia after they failed to claim all points against Burkina Faso in a 1-1 draw on Monday.

    Supersport.com reports that executive committee members of the Nigeria Football Federation had emerged from the showdown talks saying they have told Keshi and his team to beat Zambia this Friday as well as put up an overall good outing at the AFCON.

    “We have told them to go and put up a credible performance that will make Nigerians proud. The good thing is that we were not disgraced in the first game because we didn’t lose. Every team in the group drew their games but we have told them to improve on their performance in subsequent games,” Supersport.com quoted NFF president, Aminu Maigari, as saying on Wednesday.

    Another NFF board member, Emeka Inyama said: “We have asked the coaching crew to give us reassurances of a win over Zambia. The Zambians were not spectacular in their first game against Ethiopia. We’ve made it clear that the team needs to beat Zambia to ensure they qualify from the group stage.”

    However, sources inside the Nigerian camp at the tournament believe the pressure may have been cranked up after the emergency meeting between the leadership of the nation’s FA and the coaches led by Keshi in Nelspruit, South Africa on Tuesday.

    Keshi was said to have kept mum when the press asked him about the reason behind the meeting.