Keshi shouldn’t have been sacked, says ex-sports minister

Tammy Danagogo, former minister of sports, on Thursday said the sack of Stephen Keshi as Super Eagles coach was a wrong move.

Speaking with NAN in Port Harcourt, Danagogo said those who wanted Keshi sacked, had no better alternative.

“I realised that those who were clamouring to change Keshi, at the point they were clamouring for it, we did not have any local alternative that was better than him,” he said.

“I asked them, look, who is the local alternative that is better than Keshi? If you convince me, you can change him.

“Now, if you are going for a foreign alternative, can you pay the person when you are not able to pay a local coach?”

Danagogo said he supported Keshi because of the sincerity he exuded, describing the former coach’s death as a pathetic loss to Nigeria.

“I know the odds he faced. As minister then, those who wanted him out were asking me why I was always supporting Keshi,” he said.

“I supported him because he was ready to work for Nigeria even when he was owed arrears of salaries. To me, his commitment and patriotism is unequal

“He was an exceptional case of talent, commitment and patriotism to the development of Nigerian football even when he was owed three to five months salary arrears.

“Keshi was a regular player, captain and later coach of the national team. He was enthusiastic to deliver but he had challenges.

“I believe Nigeria has lost one its best in terms of talent, commitment and sacrifice to the development of sports, especially football in the country.”