Mixed Reactions Trail Keshi’s Appointment

Nigerians have continued to express their views about the appointment of Stephen Keshi as the new Super Eagles’ coach by Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

While some welcomed the appointment of the former Eagles’ captain as a good development, others condemned it, saying that Keshi will fail the way former coach, Samson Siasia failed.

Former Sports Minister, Samaila Sambawa, and the former Eagles’ goalkeeper trainer, Joe Erico, commended the appointment of Keshi, saying his appointment will rejuvenate the winning mentality of the team.

Sambawa urged Nigerians to rally round Keshi for him to perform.

“Every Nigerian should support him to succeed and take the nation’s football out of the dungeon it is now,” he said.

Former Eagles’ defender, Kingsley Obiekwu, believes Keshi’s appointment won’t solve Eagles’ problem.

“For me, Siasia should have been allowed to continue his job. Appointing another coach now means Keshi has to start afresh with his own ideas and players. It will slow down the development which Siasia has begun ,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister and Chairman of National Sports Commission, NSC, Yusuf Sulaiman, wants the NFF to be cautious of their decision of hiring and firing of coaches, saying the development will continue to undermine the growth of football in the country.

The minister said there is need to for the football ruling house in the country to create a conducive atmosphere for the Eagles’ handler and also giving him time to build his team for the nation to regain its lost glory in the football circuit.

—Olusegun Abidoye