We May Not Have Appreciated What We Had

With the sad demise of 2 great Nigerian icons and ex-Super Eagles coaches in the persons of Stephen Keshi and Amodu Shuaibu a couple of days ago, a period of sober reflection is not out of place for anyone who in one way or the other is a stakeholder in Nigerian  football. 

As we come to terms with the shocking news of their deaths, the inevitable revelations of how they were treated while still alive has started coming to light. It is shameful that stories about how these men are still being owed salaries and entitlements by their former employers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) even after being disengaged like in the case of Stephen Keshi almost a year after, is all over the news.

The fact that the NFF is owing these former employees of theirs is nothing new in a country where many Civil Servants are also being owed months in unpaid wages. However, when you look at the NFF's antecedents, the unending crises in the Glass House and Nigerian football as a whole, you would have to come to the conclusion that this was totally avoidable. 

Keshi who died 3 days before Amodu was Amodu's understudy and assistant in the African Cup of Nations in Mali in 2002. The tournament will be remembered mainly for the off the field squabbles in the Nigerian camp between the team and the NFF inspite of the fact that Nigeria won a bronze medal. What Nigeria would give now for an Afcon qualification let alone a third place finish. 

The chaos in the Super Eagles camp during the tournament got enough coverage in the media such that when the team failed to win the Afcon tournament, it was no surprise when Amodu and Keshi got sacked and the team disbanded. It marked the end of the  national  team careers for some great Super  Eagles legends such as Sunday Oliseh, George Finidi, and Victor Ikpeba.

This would be the first time Amodu would  lose the chance to take Nigeria to the World Cup after leading Nigeria successfully through the qualifiers. Amodu would be denied again by the NFF in 2010 from leading the Super Eagles to the World Cup in South Africa after again claiming bronze at the Afcon. The NFF famously said they would "sink or swim" with Amodu this time but went back on their word and decided to hire the Swede, Lars Lagerback, instead.

It is pertinent to note that on both occasions when Amodu was denied the chance to lead the Super Eagles to the World Cup, Nigeria was eliminated from the World Cup in the first round. Would it have been better for the team and cheaper to have allowed Amodu to lead the team rather than Festus Onigbinde or Lars  Lagerback?

Stephen Keshi was luckier in this respect than Amodu was. He benefited from the change in the Afcon calendar in that tournaments were no longer held in a World Cup year. Who knows? Keshi might have lost his job too? He actually stepped down from his post after leading  the Super Eagles to Afcon victory in 2013 in protest at how he was treated by the NFF in South Africa. It was the intervention of the Presidency that persuaded Keshi to rescind his decision. But the seeds of discord between he and the powers that be in the NFF had been sown and as soon as power shifted towards the NFF, he was  dismissed in July 2015  for reasons of disloyalty and indiscipline.

Keshi and Amodu may not have been perfect. None of us are. They both have their share of the blame in the way things turned out for Nigeria in major tournaments. For instance, Amodu famously said he was not going to include Wilson Oruma in his squad for the Afcon in Mali in 2002 even if he was scoring on the moon. A misguided comment which he had to back track on. It was a comment which would not have fostered unity in the national team camp because it suggests he had his favourites who would always get the nod irrespective of form.

Keshi also had his own battles. He famously fell out with Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo during Afcon 2013 in South Africa but got away with it as his preferred centre back partnership of Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Obaobona ultimately delivered. He was also fingered as one of the leaders of the 'cabal' in the Super Eagles during his playing days. 

As we can see, Amodu and Keshi were far from perfect but what is undeniable,however,  was their contribution to the success of Nigerian football over the years and the fact that they were serial achievers of success in their careers. Amodu on several occasions was called upon to embark on several rescue missions when it seemed the Nigerian teams were on the verge of losing out on qualifying berths for major tournaments like in the case of the Atlanta Olympic qualifiers and the Korea-Japan World Cup qualifiers. He also led Nigeria to World Cup qualification in 2010  and 2 Afcon bronze medals. 

Keshi of course had an illustrious career as a player for Nigeria and also led Togo to World Cup qualification in 2006 as a coach. He also had a spell as coach of Mali. He has 5 Afcon appearances for Nigeria and won the Afcon as a player and coach with Nigeria in 1994 and 2013 respectively. He is also credited with starting Nigerian players exodus to the European leagues.

Nigerians may not have fully appreciated their service to the country while they were alive but in the coming years as we struggle to regain our rightful place in world football, we might be forced to accept that Stephen Keshi who departed us at age 54 and Amodu Shuaibu who a few days later followed suit at age 58 were truly heroes and perhaps sadly, have lost 2 great men who had time on their side to contribute more to the growth and development of Nigerian football.

After Keshi's Controversial Exit, Who Should Replace Him?

The axe which had been dangling over the head of Stephen Keshi for a while finally landed on him over the weekend when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that they were parting company with him due to a 'lack of commitment' on his part to attain the objectives of the Federation as was set out when he was employed.

It was plain the marriage between Keshi and the NFF was one of convenience and as soon as they felt he was dispensable, they cut him loose. The constant battles between Keshi and the NFF was one that turned into a circus show. We should not be surprised though, if there is another twist in the drama as things continue to unravel.

There are hints that Keshi could go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to challenge his sacking. If he wins, he could be forced back into a job where his services are no longer wanted. What it means is that the frosty relationship between both parties could get more nasty as the NFF could seek to do all it can to undermine the Big Boss while carrying out his duties.

It is weird though, that barely 3 months of taking charge of the Super Eagles, a disciplinary committee has been able to get enough facts to reach a conclusion that Keshi was not committed to his job and thus, recommend his sack. 

What led the NFF to set up this committee? Or was it in place already before news broke that Keshi's name turned up in a list of candidates applying for the Ivory Coast job? And if it was set up after the news broke, then shouldn't we be suspicious that he is being fired for perceived disloyalty to the NFF rather than for lack of commitment?

Anyone with half a brain knows that the time frame with which Keshi has been in charge since he was re-appointed as Super Eagles Coach in April is not enough to reach such a conclusion since there was no major act of misconduct on Keshi's part. Apparently, Keshi's misdemeanours in the last African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers have been revisited and Keshi, without the protection of the powers that be in the Presidency any longer may have suffered some form of payback.

Have we heard the last of this NFF-Keshi  saga? Don't bet on it.

Meanwhile, the NFF quickly announced the appointment of Shaibu Amodu as interim coach pending the appointment of a permanent replacement for Keshi. The next set of AFCON qualifiers come up in September. Nigeria will be taking on Tanzania away from home. Knowing the NFF's antecedents, a permanent replacement for Keshi will not be coming any time soon.

Who are the potential suitors to replace Stephen Keshi on a permanent basis? We should note however, that Nigeria at this point in time lacks top coaches with the clout of Keshi. We do have a few we can recycle however.

The logical replacement for Keshi may be one of Daniel Amokachi, Augustine Eguavoen, Christian Chukwu, Sunday Oliseh or Samson Siasia. With the exception of Oliseh, all have had stints with the Super Eagles as manager with varying degrees of failure and success. Siasia is in charge of the Olympic team currently and might not wish to have any distractions as he would want to prepare adequately and focus on qualifying for the  Olympics in Rio next year. Unless of course, the NFF elect to 'promote' him.

Amokachi was Keshi's assistant in the glory days of Keshi's reign and could be one of the favourites for the job. However, apart from being Keshi's assistant, It's difficult to see what Amokachi brings to the table. Could be more of the same from the Keshi era. A more of the same we hardly need.

Christian Chukwu and Augustine Eguavoen failed to take the Super Eagles to new heights after leading the Super Eagles to creditable bronze medals at the  AFCON finals in 2004 and 2006 respectively. 

Chukwu was sacked for failing to lead Nigeria to the World Cup finals in Germany in 2006 while Eguavoen who was Chukwu's replacement, although led Nigeria to third place at the AFCON finals in 2006, was also fired after a string of poor results after taking over from Berti Vogts who was shown the exit door for over seeing one of Nigeria's most dismal performances in AFCON finals history.

Sunday Oliseh could be the breath of fresh air Nigeria football needs but his inexperience at this level could prove costly even though he has a UEFA Pro licence. Nigeria cannot afford to miss out on another AFCON tournament for a consecutive time. 

Will the NFF be willing to take a gamble on Oliseh as recent reports suggest? Or will they go for a foreign manager as Bonfrere Jo advised? Whatever their decision is, they need to get this right so that we can move on. We don't play Egypt until next year. It's more than enough time for them to sort out this mess.

Keshi's Link With Ivory Coast Job A Distraction Nigeria Does Not Need

A few days ago, the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) on their website short listed 59 candidates who have applied for the vacant position of Head Coach of Les Elephants. The list is expected to be trimmed down to 3 and then the final 3 will be interviewed.

However, the appearance of Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi's name on that list is causing no small stir in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The FIF, probably perceiving a controversy brewing up, took down the page that published the potential candidates for the vacant job on their website.

It hasn't however, escaped the NFF's attention and their Spokesman, Ademola Olajire, stated that the NFF will be opening a full investigation into the matter to ascertain whether Keshi actually applied for the job or not.

It would be recalled that Keshi signed a two year contract with the NFF in April thus, making his inclusion on that 59 Man list bizarre. NFF president, Amaju Pinnick and other stakeholders of the game must have come to the conclusion that this application is a show of disrespect to Nigeria and potentially, a breach of contract. 

The NFF spokesman, being quoted on the BBC sport website went on to say that there will be no hasty decision on this issue and that an official statement by the NFF will be made after they would have consulted with the FIF.

As expected, Stephen Keshi has denied applying for the job. In an interview with completesportsnigeria.com, he denied any interest in the Ivory Coast job but suggested that his agent may have applied for the job long before he secured his new deal with the NFF.

Stephen Keshi's agent, Barrister Ado, however, appeared to contradict the Big Boss' comments. According to the Premium Times, he stated exclusively that he is Keshi's official agent and didn't apply for the job Herve Renard has made vacant. He categorically stated that only he could have submitted an application if Keshi was interested which he did not.

 He went on to suggest that freelance agents may have independently applied for the job in the hopes of cashing on the clout of Keshi if the deal pulls through.

A big question though, if Keshi is not interested in the vacant position of Coach of the Ivory Coast national team, then why would he say that his agent, Barrister Ado may have applied for it before he became Super Eagles coach since Barrister Ado made it very clear he did not apply for the job? Note, Barrister Ado didn't say he applied for the job before Keshi got employed by the NFF.

Does it mean that Barrister Ado applies for any job available on behalf of his client without due consultation with his client whether it was a job his client would like to take on if application turns out to be a successful one? 

Is Keshi also insinuating that when his agent applies for jobs on his behalf, his agent does not inform him on what jobs he has applied for? Big questions.

The answers might be provided at the outcome of the investigation by the NFF which could be revealed in the coming days when they make their official statement.

What are the possible implications for the Super Eagles if it turns out an agent, official or freelance applied for the Ivory Coast job with or without Keshi's consent assuming the application was made after Keshi became chief Coach of the Super Eagles?

Depending on the terms spelt out in the contract, there could be disciplinary measures ranging from a sack to less stiffer penalties such as a fine or even a   suspension that could be imposed on Keshi if found guilty.

If the the NFF deems that the ultimate price has to be paid by Keshi then Nigeria's African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers preparations will be disrupted. A caretaker or new manager would have to be sought which could affect the team's concentration and performance adversely.

The last AFCON qualifiers fiasco when Keshi was the caretaker manager is still fresh in our memories. The crisis that might crop up if the NFF investigations turn out to be negative is the last thing we need at this time.

Super Eagles Off To A Good Start But Not Yet Uhuru

The Super Eagles over the weekend defeated 'minnows' Chad Republic 2-0 in Kaduna to give Nigeria a perfect start in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON ) qualifiers. Nigeria who missed out on the last edition held in Equitorial Guinea will be hoping to win the sole ticket for their group which also comprises of Egypt and Tanzania in the next tournament which will be held in Gabon in 2017.

The result was respectable, however, the performance on the field of play was less than Super from the Nigerian side. The Chadians surprisingly didn't come to pack the bus and actually gave the new look Nigerian defence some worries. After they had gone a goal down though, they did their best to contain Nigeria so as not to lose by a large margin.

Goal keeper Vincent Enyeama, was called into action a few times in the first half to make important saves. Enyeama, as usual, was composed and commanding throughout the match.

Leon Balogun, who earned his third cap on the day was made to fill in at right back. He was not comfortable since his natural position is at centre back. He made quite a few errors especially in the first half when the Chadians pressed very quickly.

Again, the right back position continues to remain a thorn in Stephen Keshi's flesh. He is yet to find a natural right back that will slot into that position with ease let alone a natural cover for the first choice right back. A stronger opposition such as Egypt might fancy their chances building their attacks from that wing.

William Troost-Ekong made his debut for the Super Eagles and partnered Kenneth Omeruo in central defence. The defence looked shaky initially because of the high pressing of the Chadians but Ekong eventually settled and gave a decent performance. He is currently a free agent and he willl be hoping that his call up to the Super Eagles will put him in good stead in getting a new club. With more games, he should form a good understanding with Omeruo.

Kingsley Madu, a former youth international, made his debut at left back and was quite impressive especially in the second half when the Eagles were in the ascendancy. In contrast to the right back position, Nigeria is not lacking in quality left backs. But his emergence can only be good for the Super Eagles.

In midfield, Stephen Keshi went for two holding midfielders in Ogenyi Onazi and debutant, Anderson Esiti to shield the defence. Anderson and Onazi who eventually got sent off in the latter stages of the match didn't do too badly. We would expect however, that their discipline and concentration levels will be raised when Egypt comes calling because on a few occasions, Onazi's concentration was suspect and it led to the Nigerian defence being exposed in the first half.

Babatunde Michael was very mobile in the the first half but the creativity which Keshi would have loved him to exhibit was missing and as a result, Rabiu Ibrahim came on in his place and his introduction yielded the impact Keshi would have desired.

Gbolahan Salami, who was deployed on the wing and who seems to be a favourite of Stephen Keshi, probably because of his work rate, got the opening goal. The execution was quite impressive. Fans will be hoping that they will see more of this sort of display from him in subsequent qualifying matches.

In attack, Aaron Samuel who was the lone striker, had a bad day at the office and his substitution came as no surprise. And of course, Odion Ighalo, his replacement made a better contribution to the Super Eagles' cause than him. 

it was Ighalo who carved out the opening for Salami to score the curtain raiser and It was also he who scored the penalty to give Nigeria a second goal and quash any hopes Chad had in getting a positive result from this game.

This victory no doubt is a good one for Nigeria but it is glaring that there is still work to be done. The team still needs a dependable striker. Whether Rabiu Ibrahim or Babatunde Michael become the creative elements our midfield desperately needs is still to be seen. Our fruitless search whether Keshi realises it or not for a quality right back continues.

The team is in transition and so Nigerians will need lots of patience as there will inevitably be bumps on the road as Keshi tries to rebuild his squad and get Nigeria back to the pinnacle of African football.

Pictures are courtesy Goal.com

What Keshi must do to improve the Super Eagles

This article is a sequel to my last piece titled "Keshi's contract extension: A reward for Mediocrity?" As I write this, I am not sure if Stephen Keshi's contract situation has been finalised but we all know that the contract offer by the NFF to Keshi for him to manage the Super Eagles team, barring a twist similar to what you would see in a Hollywood movie,  is a foregone conclusion.

And if that is so, then Keshi has to begin to find ways he can improve the Super Eagles. There are certain key areas of the team Keshi may want to look into as we prepare for the AFCON qualifiers which will commence in June.

For those who are not in the know, Nigeria will be taking on Egypt, Tanzania and Chad in the AFCON qualifiers this time around. There will be no prizes for the runners up on this occasion as it's a winner takes all scenario. This is why Keshi has to pull all the stops and ensure that Nigeria wins the sole AFCON ticket for our group.

Keshi should stop being stubborn

One of the reasons why Keshi failed to take the Super Eagles to the the Nations Cup held in Equitorial Guinea this year is his attitude which many have perceived as arrogance on his part. Keshi stubbornly stuck with and selected players whose performances and form were not up to scratch for crucial qualifier matches and which in the end, didn't pay off for him. 

He also selected some untried and untested players in key games which was a gamble that ultimately failed. Apart from Aaron Samuel and Sone Aluko, every other new player Keshi fielded didn't justify his inclusion. Keshi needs to listen to his critics with an open mind and pick players on current form rather than on sentiments. 

A dependable understudy for Enyeama is needed 

Vincent Enyeama remains Nigeria's first choice and rightly so, but for how long he remains Nigeria's number one is a question Keshi can provide an answer to whenever Enyeama decides to call time on his career with the Super Eagles. 

Austin Ejide has been Enyeama's deputy for a long time now and should step into Enyeama's shoes when Enyeama elects to step down. The problem is, Enyeama  and Ejide are in the same age bracket and that means he is unlikely to be around for too long. That brings up another conundrum for Keshi or his successor.

Keshi needs to begin to scout the land for top class goalkeepers because there is a dearth of decent goalkeepers in our local league which has been producing our goalkeepers for a while now.  He however, has the option of inviting Wolverhampton Wanderers Carl Ikeme to the national team. He is tried and tested and he has loads of experience to fill any void Enyeama's absence may cause.

Chigozie Agbim is the other option for Keshi but Agbim has failed to develop his game. He is a useful backup at best but no more for now. In the games he has appeared for Nigeria, he has been jittery and lacking in confidence. He needs to work on his confidence if he wants to mount a serious challenge for the number one spot.

Keshi needs an established Right Back and a cover as well.

It is shocking that after almost 4 years at the helm, Keshi has failed to find a natural right back for the Super Eagles. A flaw that was brutally exposed during the last qualifiers by the likes of Congo DR and South Africa. He was able to get good cover for Elderson Echiejile in Juwon Oshaniwa who was outstanding in Brazil. But he has failed to find cover for Efe Ambrose who is a central defender by trade. Ambrose has filled that void well over the years but good teams are likely to find weaknesses in makeshift situations and exploit it to the max. And this sadly, was the case in the last AFCON qualifiers.

Keshi needs to look into this loophole and plug it immediately! I recommend that Ambrose be shifted to central defence either as cover for the established pairing of Omeruo and Obaobona or that Keshi drop one of them and pair him with any of Omeruo or Obaobona. 

The central defence needs some shake up too because they were for most times all over the shop when under pressure by their opponents but a tweaking shouldn't be as radical as the right back position which needs some major surgery. Their sloppiness could be explained by the poor form and lack of serious match practice by Kenneth Omeruo. Although, the likes of Azubuike Egwuekwe should not be invited any longer to the Super Eagles. They are just a liability and dinstinctively average.

In my next article, I will discuss areas in the midfield and attack where Keshi needs to work on so that the Super Eagles team can return to their rightful place at the zenith of African football.