The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Stephen Keshi

  • Maigari orders technical committee to intervene in Keshi, Yobo row

    Maigari orders technical committee to intervene in Keshi, Yobo row

    Nigeria Football Association has ordered the Chairman of NFA Technical and Development Committee, Mr Chris Green, to intervene in the ongoing war of words between the Head Coach of the Super Eagles Stephen Keshi and Captain Joseph Yobo.

    Alhaji Aminu Maigari, the President of NFA, gave the order in a statement issued on Thursday by the NFA Assistant Media Director, Ademola Olajire, in Abuja.

    “Maigari ordered the Chairman of Technical and Development Committee, Barrister Chris Green and his committee members to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the on-going war of words between Super Eagles’ Head Coach Stephen Keshi and Captain Joseph Yobo.’’

    It said an unhealthy exchange of words between the two principal characters in the Nigeria squad has dominated the media in the past few days.

    According to the statement, Yobo expressed unhappiness with the coach over his exclusion from last month’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar.

    “This is a highly untoward development and the NFF and entire Nigeria football family are disturbed.

    “Less than two months ago, we lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in a blaze of glory, and this was made possible by the hard work and team work in an atmosphere of peace, unity and tranquility.

    “The recent exchange of words between Coach Keshi and Captain Yobo is worrisome, at a time that we have so many important matches and the FIFA Confederations Cup (Brazil 2013) ahead of us.

    “I have, therefore, ordered the Chairman of the Technical Committee and his members to immediately intervene and restore sanity,’’ Maigari said.

    The NFA president also cautioned the nation’s vibrant media against over-sensationalism with regards to the Keshi and Yobo issue.

    “Journalists remain important stakeholders in the game and we charge them to avoid over-playing such negative tendencies; such issues attack the fabric of the team and tend to destroy team spirit, which is key to achieving set goals and objectives,’’ he added.

    It said Nigeria had a tight and buy schedule of possibly, 10 matches in six weeks between the end of May and mid-July.

    “The Super Eagles take on CONCACAF champions, Mexico (rated 15th in the world), in a prestigious international friendly in Texas, USA on May 31.

    “They will travel to Kenya and Namibia for 2014 World Cup qualifiers within a fortnight.

    “The Super Eagles will also take part in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, where they could play five matches if they progress beyond the group stages.

    “They will then proceed for a 2014 African Nations Championship two-legged fixture against Cote d’Ivoire.’

  • NFF denies plans to hire foreign manager

    NFF denies plans to hire foreign manager

    Nigeria Football Federation has denied that it planned to hire a foreign coach to boss Stephen Keshi.

    Senate President David Mark had said after the team’s arrival from South Africa that Keshi told him that he was asked to accept a foreign coach to boss him and he turned that down leading eventually to his short-lived resignation.

    However, NFF media chief, Ademola Olajire said there was no truth in the report that the body planned to hire a foreign technical adviser, maintaining the NFF has been fully behind the Super Eagles gaffer.

    “It is not true that we wanted to employ a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, we have no reason to do that. We gave Keshi all the support he needed to do well,” MTNFootball.com quoted Olajire as saying on a television programme in Lagos Monday night.

    “We never discussed that since Keshi took over the team. What we had planned was to have a technical director which is not for the Super Eagles. I see no reason why we will want Keshi that we employed to fail.”

    Olajire also said the NFF has suspended all requests to host the Super Eagles till after a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya next month.

    He said, “We have a crucial World Cup qualifier in March against Kenya, so preparation starts now. We don’t want any distraction so we told the states that still want to host Eagles to wait till after that game because the team needs full concentration ahead of the game.”

  • Keshi withdraws resignation

    Keshi withdraws resignation

    Super Eagles coach , Stephen  Keshi, has changed his mind about resigning his position after leading the Nigerian team to win the African Cup of Nations in South Africa.
    Keshi, in a statement on Tuesday morning, said his decision to withdraw his resignation  followed a meeting he had with the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi.
    “My attention has been drawn to reports in the media that I have resigned my appointment as the Head Coach of Super Eagles of Nigeria.
    “While I have had cause to express my displeasure over some issues that happened in the course of our participation in the AFCON 2013, which my team won by the grace of God, especially concerning my relationship with the Nigerian Football Federation, I have since had opportunity to discuss the various issues with all concerned. I am therefore pleased to say that I have reconsidered my position and have decided to continue with my job.
    “I want to thank the Honourable Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, for his swift and kind intervention,” Keshi popularly known as the ‘big boss’ said in the statement.

  • A dream to sign off on AFCON – Yobo

    A dream to sign off on AFCON – Yobo

    Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo, has said it was a dream come true to crown his last African Nations Cup tournament with his first international trophy.

    Yobo made his AFCON debut in 2002, where the Eagles finished third in Mali.

    He also featured in the competition in 2004, 2006 (third place medal), 2008 (quarterfinal) and 2010 (third place).

    The 32-year-old Yobo had a limited game time at the tournament after he lost his first-team place to youngster Kenneth Omeruo, MTNFootball.com reports.

    “This is a dream come true. I have been around for 11, 12 years. This was my sixth AFCON and I have said this would be my last. Not because I can no longer play anymore, but I have given my international career a lot of time,” said Yobo, who holds the record international appearance for Nigeria with 94 caps.

    “I’m short of words because this is a massive achievement in my national team career.

    “I’m very delighted. I feel so blessed. I’m so grateful to God for answering my prayers.”

    He attributed Nigeria’s long-awaited triumph to the stronger unity in the squad.

    “Unity has not been that strong in the previous squads but it is a lot stronger in this squad,” he said.

    Coach Stephen Keshi, who has been under pressure to win in South Africa, has dedicated the victory to local coaches in Africa.

    Brazilian Otto Gloria and Dutchman Clemens Westerhof led Nigeria to win its first two Nations Cups in 1980 and 1994, respectively.

  • AFCON: Jonathan hails Super Eagles

    AFCON: Jonathan hails Super Eagles

    President Goodluck Jonathan has  congratulated the Super Eagles and  Nigerians on the country’s  victory in the AFCON 2013 finals  in Johannesburg.
    In as statement shortly after the Super Eagles defeated the Stallion of Burkina Faso, President Jonathan thanked  Coach Stephen Keshi and all members of the team who he said  have worked very hard and played with great focus, dedication, artistry and patriotism to make Nigeria the proud champions of Africa once again after 19 years of setbacks in the competition.
    The President also commended the Minister of Sports, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, the Chairman and members of the Nigerian Football Federation and all others who have contributed to the astonishing transformation of the Super Eagles from underdogs to gallant winners and glorious soccer champions of the African continent.
    President Jonathan said he  believes that the team’s amazing transformation from rank outsiders to champions is a clear manifestation of the even greater successes the country can achieve in all other fields of human endeavour.
    As the  nation celebrates Nigeria’s remarkable triumph in South Africa, President Jonathan urged all Nigerians to imbibe the positive lessons of the Super Eagles’ success because the fulfilment of the country’s immense potentials for greatness will be more speedily attained if more Nigerians resolve to emulate the team’s exemplary unity of purpose, dedication, commitment and devotion to service of the nation.
    Having conquered Africa, the new Super Eagles according to President Jonathan can go on to achieve even greater glory at the World Cup in Brazil next year. He assured the team that it will receive every necessary support and encouragement from the Federal Government for that next national assignment.
    He thanked the Government of South Africa and the Confederation of African Football for a well-organised tournament and looks forward to receiving the victorious Super Eagles in Abuja on Tuesday.
  • How Nigeria can defeat Cote d’Ivoire

    How Nigeria can defeat Cote d’Ivoire

    Ahead of Sunday’s crucial match against Cote d’Ivoire, we asked our Twitter followers @thenationnews what message they have for Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi and the players.

    Here are ten responses for Keshi and the players to take seriously.

    Victory starts from d mind, dedication in all passes, just deliver by all means possible.

    Adeniba  Adesina

    Play without fear and pray without doubt.

    Alade Abiodun

    Don’t use Amhed Musa at all.

    L.A Durodola

    Park d bus, attack on the counter, takes your chance.

    Theophilus   Ilevbare

    Concentrate and be focused, avoid mistakes and gain more possession of the ball.

    Amahie Martins

    He should be serious and shouldn’t take Nigerians integrity for granted. Nigerians need GOALS on Sunday!

    Caleb Adams

    Park the bus, attack on the counter take your chance.

    Douglas Baye-Osagie

    The coach tactical discipline and the players give your very best and every chance that comes your way. The Best of success

    Oluwaseun  Raji

    Go an extra mile.

    Sylverdude