TheCable

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorounmu, sees the positives despite being relieved of his job alongside head coach Stephen Keshi and assistant Daniel Amokachi by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday.

Speaking to TheCable at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, after arriving from Abuja venue of Nigeria’s 3-1 triumph over Sudan in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the ex-international was all calm and composed despite getting sacked on his birthday.

“I thank God for the opportunity to serve the country in this capacity and I really enjoyed the job while it lasted,” Shorounmu said.

“I bear no grudge against anybody and I’m going home now to rest and reflect on the future.”

Part of the severance package drawn by the NFF stipulates that the sacked trio should proceed on a coaching course in any country of their choice, in order to build their capacity, but the former Stationery Stores goalkeepers has his own plans too, which he’s not ready to reveal at the moment.

“Yes, I heard of NFF’s plans for us, but I have my own plans too, which I’m keeping close to my chest for now,” he said.

“Moreover, God’s plan is the best.”

Shorounmu was a member of Samson Siasia’s backroom staff when he was head coach of Nigeria’s senior national team and when Keshi came on board in November 2011, he retained the services of the trainer, affectionately called ‘Ike Anobi’ by fans.