12th February, 2013
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has withdrawn his resignation after he guided the country’s team to a third Africa Cup of Nations triumph, he said on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by the coach and made available by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Keshi said he will continue as the Super Eagles’ coach after the country’s sports minister intervened.
“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,” according to a statement signed by Keshi.
“I want to thank the Honourable Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, for his swift and kind intervention.”
The 51-year-old Keshi, who took over as Nigeria coach in November 2011 and oversaw the team’s 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Soweto, South Africa, on Sunday, has a four-year contract.
News about his resignation from the Eagles coaching job, sent shockwaves round the footballing world yesterday, especially Nigeria, where Keshi has turned a heroic figure for winning a trophy last won in 1994.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan will host a special reception for the squad in Abuja on Tuesday.