Daniel Amokachi lifts Stephan Keshi after the Super Eagles win AFCON 2013. Photo: Getty Images
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be
hosted at the Presidential Villa today Tuesday, February 12, 2013 but
what was to be a big celebration might just be an awkward gathering
following controversies surrounding head coach Stephen Keshi’s resignation.
Keshi reportedly announced his
resignation on Monday, a day after winning the African cup. This was
confirmed by the Eagles Media Officer, Ben Alaiya on Monday night. ‘It is true’, Alaiya told Punchng.com.
‘I gave them (Nigeria Football
Federation) my letter of resignation immediately after last night’s
game, but I haven’t heard from them yet’, Keshi told Metro FM on Monday night.
Insiders believed that Keshi was put under a lot of pressure from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) while the tournament was on. Nigeria couldn’t secure a win until after their first two matches
Before the last group match against
Ethiopia the NFF had issued an official press release stating that Keshi
had ‘no excuse for failure’.
However, things might be looking
brighter as Keshi has now released a new statement, suggesting he might
reconsider his resignation.
His statement below:
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.
I want to thank the Honourable Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, for his swift and kind intervention.
Signed
Stephen Okechukwu Keshi
Like we said, it’s going to be an awkward moment today at the Presidential Villa.
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