The Nigeria Football Federation has asked Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, to explain several incidents bordering on his attitude to work. The memo signed by the federation’s Technical Director, Emmanuel Ikpeme, on behalf of the General Secretary asks the coach to explain why he proceeded on leave without permission and thus missing a reception hosted by President Jonathan Goodluck in February among other issues.
Keshi has been asked to respond to the query dated March 26 within 24 hours.
A member of the NFF Technical Committee revealed that his attitude to his employers especially in the last few months has been quite disrespectful.
He said, “For a coach that preaches discipline, he has not performed according to what he says. Tuesday’s (March 25) behaviour was the height of it.”
On the said date, Keshi did not attend Tuesday’s technical committee session with the NFF in Abuja as he was in Lagos to take part in a round table discussion with Nigerian journalists. The Federation said they were forced to move the meeting to April 8 after Keshi said he could not return to the country before that day.
The NFF letter reads in part, “It has come to the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with total dismay, that you attended a function of Tom Tom in Lagos on Tuesday, 25th March, 2014 without the express permission of your employers, the NFF.
“Furthermore, this happened on the day you were expected to appear before the NFF Technical Committee to discuss your programme for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The reason you gave for not attending the said meeting and for which you were excused was that you will only be returning to Nigeria on 26th March, 2014 because of your inability to reschedule your flight back to Nigeria. Meanwhile, the Federation’s approval for your request for leave was to begin on February 15 and end on March 10, 2014. By not heeding to the approved date, you have seriously violated the terms of approval with attendant consequences.
“It is equally important we draw your attention to previous actions whereby you travel out of Nigeria without express permission of the NFF. Specifically, you travelled out of the country before the day President Jonathan received the home-based Super Eagles at the State House on Thursday, February 13, 2014, causing a very serious embarrassment to the Federation.
“As a responsible organisation, we have no other option than to issue you a query to explain how all these events unfolded.”
Keshi and his employers had been enjoying seemingly renewed cordial relationship until this memo. In the past they rowed over his unpaid salary and speculation about the appointment of a foreign assistant for Keshi – a move the FA eventually denied.
The peak of their stormy relationship since he became Nigeria coach in November 2011 was Keshi’s purported resignation after leading Nigeria to the African cup in South Africa in February 2013. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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It seems NFF and NFA have started their usual theatrics before the World Cup with an aim to get their own man and fill their pockets
ReplyDeleteKeshi too must show a degree of responsibility,discipline and respect to his employers.
DeleteHe should avoid playing into their hands even if they want to play games with his employment
NFF, why una dey beef Keshi? The guy don dey chop endorsements dou steady from different companies and e no dey reach/touch these bad belle people. Abeg, make una face una business and allow Keshi face him coaching business. I f e dey easy, make una turn coach na...yeye...
ReplyDeleteWell,Keshi should know better.There is a sense in what the NFF is saying. Keshi should realise that as a coach he is also a manager of players that have different attitudes and background and best coaches are the ones that can manage all irrespective of the players short coming.But ofcourse no player is greater than his manager. SO,keshi should learn from the case of Siasia,Those people supporting his exclusion of some players will turn round and crucify him should the team fail in the world cup. Most people remember the problem former Brazilian coach had with Romario and how it was the same Romario that was instrumental to Brazil lifting the world cup that year. So, Keshi be wise. All involved should put ago aside.
ReplyDeleteDont use this avenue in order to sack Keshi. When you employed foreign coaches, they stayed abroad and come into the country only on a match day. Tell Keshi straight that, since he is not taking bribe to call ur children/wards to national team you are dismissing him, dont beat about the bush, he even said it in Lagos during tom tom reception.
ReplyDeleteare you sure the NFF is saying the whole truth? do not judge without checking facts on the other side.
ReplyDeleteHe who decides a case witout hearin d other side,even if he decides justly,cannot b cnsidered just
ReplyDelete