Coach Stephen Keshi will get his Eagles job back after begging almost on his knees. Here was once the big boss of Nigerian football, the one who seemed untouchable, who could get away with anything and not get reprimanded.

But not anymore as Keshi has reportedly begged enough to be given the opportunity to coach the Super Eagles again. And we gathered that his passionate appeal has been accepted by the power brokers at the Nigeria Football Federation, who ensured that he accepted the terms in the contract.

Keshi and Amaju And Keshi has also accepted to report to the technical director of the NFF, Shuaibu Amodu, after earlier saying that he wanted to report directly to the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, who he has apologised to, as well as to other top ranking officials of the football-governing body. Speaking through his agent recently, Emmanuel Ado, Keshi said he was sorry that the Super Eagles could not defend their title in the last AFCON but was looking forward to getting the team back to winning ways in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers “There were problems that contributed to the failure of the team to qualify for Equatorial Guinea which, by the grace of God, have been largely resolved.

We ask for forgiveness and support for the team to ensure that they get back to their winning ways.” One of Keshi’s many sins was when, in the heat of the contract storm, he called Pinnick, a liar on radio, a statement which he profusely apologised for. In a rather patronising tone, the former Super Eagles captain said “I think it is my fault for not being able to manage some information very well. I will never use such word for the president of the federation. I am too cultured to use such word, those who profit from sensationalism as a way of life, create chaos by twisting facts out of context only to suit their own purpose. “I have always related well with the NFF president as a brother and as chairman of the Delta state sports commission before now. The chairman’s passion and achievements over the years bear eloquent testimony to what he is capable of replicating in his new job at the NFF.

After the 2013 Nations Cup, Amaju was instrumental to Delta state government hosting the team and the renaming of the Asaba Township Stadium after my name. “I want to say here that contrary to people’s insinuations that I cannot work with Amaju I want to state here we can work together for the good of the game. I sincerely apologise to all Nigerians and most especially the fans for the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2015 edition of the Nations Cup.” Keshi also promised to work hand in hand with the NFF technical committee chairman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, and the NFF president for the good of the game. “I want to assure Nigerians that Mr. Felix Anyansi-Agwu and I will continue to work together to ensure that we put all the issues that have threatened their relationship behind and to ensure that any crisis is resolved.” And a source told Saturday Vanguard Sports that the NFF has accepted his apology and would offer him a short contract that could be renewed based on good performance. Keshi’s second coming may also likely see some changes in the technical crew.

It is recalled that the fall of the former Anderlecht captain actually started immediately after the 2013 Nations Cup, that he won and thereafter, started looking down of the then Aminu Maigari-led NFF board. Keshi pitched war against the board after immediately after the cup and buoyed by his meeting President Goodluck Jonathan, during a reception for the team, where the outgoing President told him he had his support. This bloated his ego and Maigari and members of his board meant nothing to him, not minding that they employed him.

His spat with the NFF board of Maigari fueled tension between both parties, with the latter not willing to renew his contract, which elapsed at the end of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. But Keshi got the support of a top special security officer who made it difficult for Maigari to return to the board. Keshi also kicked himself on the foot when his Nations Cup squad appeared better than his World Cup squad. His selection for the World Cup was suspect and the players who did not merit World Cup place proved critics right on the field. Nigeria simply had no bench and when the likes of Uchegbu came in as substitutes people wondered where they came from. The result at the World Cup, where the Eagles crashed in the second round to France, who appeared beatable further compounded his already worsening situation.

Amongst Keshi’s gaffes was his suspected role in the global disgrace that the team put Nigerians when the players protested over bonus after their 2014 World Cup qualifier in Namibia. The NFF offered each player $5,000 for a win and $2,500 for a draw. But the players demanded twice as much: $10,000 for a win and $5,000 for a draw as they were earning from the 2010 World Cup when a presidential committee increased their bonus to that level. The players went on strike in Namibia, refusing to fly to Brazil for the Confederations Cup, a development that attracted global attention.

It was international disgrace when the players refused to fly the plane sent by FIFA to fly them to Brazil. President Jonathan had to step in and got then Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi The Segun Adeniyi-led probe committee set up by the federal government to investigate the first protest in Namibia indicted Keshi. Goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and John Mikel Obi were fingered as the ring leaders of the revolt and were also indicted. The probe offered solutions on how to tackle such insurrections in the future. But rather than stem the tide, the same thing was later to resurface again at the World Cup, when the team canceled a scheduled training session after a meeting where the players demanded the immediate payment of their appearance fee before their second round match with France.

They took this action even before FIFA paid the money to Nigeria. Unfortunately Abdullahi who had vowed to implement a code of conduct recommended by the Adeniyi panel had ceased to be sports minister. It took the prompt intervention of the President Jonathan, who sent Sports Minister, Tammuno Danagogo to go and give the players their share of the money, even when FIFA was yet to pay any team their share of the proceeds. The largesse from the President, rather than boost the team to victory, actually contributed to their fall as instead of resting, the players were busy sharing the cash until 3 am on a day they had an afternoon tie against France. The effect of this extreme rascality and indiscipline showed in the match as they tired out in the second half, conceding two late goals.

It was on the basis of these that the Maigari’s board was not going to renew Keshi’s contract and that somehow led to Maigari’s withdrawal from the race after sustained pressure from the top security official, who has been a fan of Keshi, when he was playing for country and clubs. When Pinnick was elected NFF President in September in Warri and Eagles were beaten in Sudan, his board said they would not renew Keshi’s contract after the players told the sports minister that the technical crew was their problem, Pinnick faced the harassment that Maigari was facing when his international passport was seized at the airport on his way to the final of African women football event in Namibia.

Few days later, President Jonathan, while receiving the Nations Cup-winning Super Falcons in Abuja, pleaded with Pinnick, based on the advice of the SSS man, to recall Keshi, who was eventually recalled to finish the 2015 AFCON qualifying race. And the result for that recall was shameful as the defending African champions failed to qualify for the tournament. That was how Keshi lost face in the eyes of many, including former ex-internationals and many stakeholders, who called for his head. And only a fortnight ago, President Jonathan lost his reelection bid, leaving Keshi without a strong supporter, who could swing things in his way at any time.

Jonathan’s defeat has humbled Keshi, who alongside his agent have turned into a pitiful sight before the NFF board, who will likely give him a short-term contract. And he will now have to heed the directives of the federation and not “orders from above.” His selection will also be subject to screening although his dues and freehand on technical matters as coach will be respected. Another thing that worked for Keshi was that the qualifying matches for the Nations Cup are already here and there will be no time to start looking for a new coach. And here comes the second coming of Keshi whose sobriquet as the Big Boss had diminished and lost meaning before Nigerians. Only good performance can redeem him. Time will tell.

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/04/keshi-humbled/#sthash.v1tTBegl.dpuf

Seun

Mynd44

Mukina2

^^^ What about his refusal to feature Players that were in top form for the World Cup?

TheGoodJoe:


Like who? Uche?

There is no way he could play Uche after his terrible attitude at the Nations cup. Uche outrightly disobeyed coach Keshi and Coach Okpala to play what he wanted.

Carlos Tevez was in top form but Coach Sabella did not carry him. Neymar was in top form in 2010 but Dunga did not carry him. That is the coach's choice. Nothing wrong in that. If the NFF does not like his selection, they can hire another.

Unfortunately, there are no capable hands to work under our current condition.

Do you know we lacked any real Attacking threat @ the World Cup?


Do you know Tevez exclusion caused Argentina that World Cup?

TheGoodJoe:


We carried our top scorer Emenike but he did not perform to his level. We also carried Osaze who was doing well and Musa was a regular player in the Champions league.

Uche would have been a good addition but he refused to apologize for his poor attitude.

Yes, Tevez was missed by the Argentines but that was Coach Sabella's fault. Coach Del Bosque of Spain chose to bench Juanfan for Azpilicueta. It happens.

He actually apologized but Keshi felt it was too late...


Mehn, e pain as Higuain, Aguero & Palacio were just numbers by the way...


Exactly, And Spain paid dearly for that...

TheGoodJoe:


The NFF have to do more. Pinnick rushed the appointment of Coach Amodu and we are back to square one where the NFF decides who plays and who doesn't. We did not achieve any thing before Coach Keshi came along. He should have been given another chance before changing the chain of command.

Even if Coach Keshi signs the new contract, I am not expectant because this would be Coach Keshi coaching Amodu's team.

If Amodu is so great, he should assign himself the job and let us see him perform magic.

Till Politics is kicked out of NigerianFootball, We will unfortunately experience these problems...

i pity keshi

very funny

are we expected to be celebrating this information,that a coach that once lifted the nations cup after a long year will be on his knees crying and begging for a Job?

What happens to looking for a replacement if he will be put to all this shame. In Nigeria its all about the money,what happens to resignin when the chips are down.

All this keshi madness is sickening, if nff is tired of him let them let him go. Why will they aks an elderly man to go on his knee? 4 wot naw

Beg on his knee for what? Haba...sacking him in Nigeria doesn't mean he won't be employed by another countries that need him...

TheGoodJoe:
I just scanned through. I did not see much in it. Coach Keshi was wrong with the way he handled his new contract offer from the NFF. Coach Keshi apologising is not a bad thing.

The idea of pinning the revolt of players at the World Cup on Coach Keshi is wrong. That falls squarely on Maigari's head. He refused to play the players allowances and bonuses for a long time. How can that be a Coach Keshi problem.

GEJ asking Pinnick to return Coach Keshi was right. Pinnick sacking Coach Keshi after he won the match at Abuja was crazy. It has nothing to do with favoritism as the media made it to look.

If Pinnick and co. had a better choice than Coach Keshi, they would have presented someone better than Amodu Shuaibu.

By the way Coach Amodu as the technical director does not make any sense to me. It seems Amaju Pinnick was in a rush to give Shuaibu a job.

There is nothing right about Jonathan usurping NFF's authority and overriding their decisions on Keshi. According to the law that is government interference. Jonathan should have known better. And frankly i'm glad he's out as president. He is the confusion and those are one of his numerous mistakes as a head.

Just as you thought it wrong to sack Keshi after that game, many others thought it right. Albiet NFF should have the final say and bear the burden of whatever outcome on their shoulders. If Pinnick is not competent he wouldn't be in that position. But this is Nigeria where even a president gets away with not following simple rule of laws. And where has it gotten us to?

Merry-go-rounding?

We don't even have a a coach yet not to talk of full preparations gearing toward 2017.
That's what Jonathan's interference brought us. Too many lows. You should know better.

k