Keshi begs Nigerians, NFF

Out-of-contract Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has called on Nigerians to forgive him for not qualifying the country for the 2015 Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea. 

The Big Boss, who spoke through his agent Emmanuel Ado, 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.

“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,” he said.

“We ask for forgiveness and support for the team to ensure that they get back to their winning ways.”

Keshi described as unfortunate the story in certain newspapers that he called Amaju Pinnick, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), a liar.

“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 together 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 I and Mr. Felix Anyansi-Agwu, the chairman technical committee 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 before they become a problem.”