Keshi clears the air on his purported resignation

Posted by admin Headlines, Soccer, Sports Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

Coach Stephen Keshi says he will still continue his job as Super Eagles coach, contrary to rumours on his purported resignation.

In a statement on Tuesday in Johannesburg, Keshi said he was making the declaration to clear the air on his “rumoured resignation.’’

“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,’’ Keshi said.

He, however, thanked Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, for his swift intervention in the issues he raised about the NFF concerning his position and the future of the team.

Keshi’s running battle with the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) heightened in South Africa following the team’s poor performance in the first two matches of the just concluded nation’s cup.

The minister of sports had told NAN in Johannesburg that in normal course relations there could be differences between an employer and employee when things are not going well.

“Keshi is one of Nigeria’s football legend who has made history as a player and a coach having won the nation’s cup as player and coach. Nigeria is very proud of him and will continue to support him in the task of building an enduring national team,’’ Abdullahi said.

He, however, said that he would ensure that all outstanding issues concerning Keshi andthe team were resolved amicably.

“I do not want Nigeria to be cited as a country that won the nation’s cup and failed to qualify for the second round of the competition in the next competition. We want Keshi and we like Keshi, he has recorded remarkable achievement as a player and coach,’’ Abdullahi said. (NAN)

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