On Tuesday afternoon, Steaphen Keshi returned to rapturous acclaim in Nigeria's federal capital territory, Abuja as the victorious squad flew home from South Africa. The 51-year-old, became only the second man to win the Nations Cup as both a captain and a coach.
Keshi has however given more insight into the frustration that led to his hurried resignation as Coach of the Super Eagles before the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said those managing the Nigeria Football Federal, NFF do not have any regard. He said he took the decision because they frustrated him rather than support or, at least, encourage him and his boys.
"They need to show me a little bit of respect. Because I am a black person and also a Nigerian, they think they are doing me a favour by allowing me to coach the Super Eagles. They are not doing me a favour because I am working day and night (to succeed) and we thank God that we have the cup and that Nigerians are happy,” Keshi stressed.
But spokesman for the NFF, Ademola Olajire reacted to Keshi’s claims thus: “Rumours were flying around during the group games but no one can prove these things. The NFF continues to support and back the coach amidst all this media speculation.”
Ademola claimed that "enemies from outside" are responsible for the misunderstanding between those of them at the NFF and Keshi. He said they all want Nigeria football to get better.
"They need to show me a little bit of respect. Because I am a black person and also a Nigerian, they think they are doing me a favour by allowing me to coach the Super Eagles. They are not doing me a favour because I am working day and night (to succeed) and we thank God that we have the cup and that Nigerians are happy,” Keshi stressed.
But spokesman for the NFF, Ademola Olajire reacted to Keshi’s claims thus: “Rumours were flying around during the group games but no one can prove these things. The NFF continues to support and back the coach amidst all this media speculation.”
Ademola claimed that "enemies from outside" are responsible for the misunderstanding between those of them at the NFF and Keshi. He said they all want Nigeria football to get better.
