Leave Keshi Alone, Odiaka Warns Critics

Sunday Akintoye

Ex-International, Monday Odiaka has warned critics to support the Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi instead of criticising him for his failure to beat Congo and South Africa at the recent Africa Nations Cup qualifying matches.

Eagles began their Nations Cup qualifier on a shaky note following their 2-3 loss to Congo in Calabar and barren draw with South Africa in Cape Town. The results put Nigeria in the third position in the Group A table.

Odiaka said he is not happy the way some soccer-loving Nigerians criticised the tactics of Keshi in their two qualifying matches instead of supporting the team in their remaining qualifying matches.

“This is not the time to condemn Keshi, rather, we should come together and give support to the team. Keshi is an experienced coach and he should know what to do to make Nigeria qualify for next year’s Africa Nations Cup. It is good to advise the coach but I don’t think it deserves criticism from us despite the fact the team did not perform well in the national cup qualifying matches,” said the defunct ACB FC player.

Odiaka believed that despite the slow start, Nigeria still have a chance to qualifying for next year’s Africa Nations Cup scheduled for Morocco.