Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi has withdrawn his resignation, ending hours of controversy over his future.
Keshi, who led the Super Eagles to the Nations Cup victory in South Africa on Sunday, threw in the towel for what he described as “lack of unity in the football family”.
Senate President David Mark unveiled the reasons for Keshi’s action on the floor of the Senate during the plenary session yesterday.
Mark, who led the Federal Government delegation to watch the final match in Johannesburg, reported his conversation with Keshi after he got wind of his resignation to senators’.
He said: “I spoke to Stephen Keshi this morning and he confirmed to me that he actually resigned.
“He (Keshi) said the reason is because there is too much interference.
“Before the final match on Sunday, there was a lot of pressure on him that he must accept foreign technical advisers and he said he is opposed to it because he has got all that is needed in this country and that there are Nigerians who can work with him and he doesn’t see the gain in bringing foreigners.
“He (Keshi) said he was sorry he had to actually put in his resignation.
“But I think he is amenable; he is prepared to rescind his decision, provided we don’t force a foreign technical partner on him.
“I think once we allow him and give him the team to manage, we should give him the free hand to manage the team.
“Whatever way he goes to get the result, that should not be our problem. We should not meddle in the way he is going to run and manage the team. I think this Senate must be unanimous in that.
“I think part of the prayers should be for us to prevail on him not to resign and also that the Sports Ministry or the administrators must give him a free hand to bring us the result that we want.
“I also think that the prayer warriors did their part. They were on their kneels in the various mosques and churches and prayer grounds and we must thank the prayer warriors.
“For it shows that when we pray hard and if our prayer is genuine, that God will answer.
“I think God decided that He must give us something to smile about this time around and this victory certainly is something that has put a smile on our faces.
“The disposition of other nations towards Nigeria while I was there in the State Box (of the stadium) was surprising. Almost all the countries were supporting Burkina Faso for some inexplicable reasons.
“It shows that people believe that we have the potential, people believe that we are great and we must show this greatness not only in words but even in deed.
“Because we are always going about saying we are the giant of Africa. We have to prove that we are truly giant of Africa in every sphere of life.”
Keshi yesterday backed down on his quit notice.
In a letter dated February 12, he personally signed, the former Nigerian captain said: “My attention has been drawn to reports in the media that I have resigned my appointment as the head coach of the 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.”
Abdullahi yesterday confirmed that Keshi remains the Super Eagles coach.
The confirmation ended the controversy over the purported resignation of Keshi.
Abdullahi told reporters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, that “the coach never tendered a formal resignation letter as broadcast by Nigerians.
“We thank God almighty that we are part of this process. The issue of Keshi’s resignation was blown out of proportion.
“Although there were issues, I think things were not properly managed as they should be managed but thank God I was on ground to manage the issues.’’
Keshi told reporters: “Well, there were issues to make things better in the team and all around our football sector in the country.
“But yesterday, I spent about four to five hours with the minister to sort things out and how to move the team forward. But on resignation, I am here now.”
