NFF Backs Keshi Over Team Selection

The Nigeria Football Federation backs Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi over his team selection.

The coach has recently come under fire from overseas-based players like captain Joseph Yobo following his exclusion from Eagles’ last World Cup qualifier against Kenya.

Yobo told Brila FM recently that although he had no problem being dropped, the lack of prior notification was disrespectful considering his position as captain.

“I’m disappointed nobody called me before the team list was announced. It’s disrespectful. I feel disrespected.” Yobo told Brila FM.

“I am the captain of the Super Eagles and I thought the coach should have put a call across to me. I have no problem being left out.”

After helping Nigeria win the Nations Cup, Emmanuel Emenike also complained of neglect and lack of communication from the Super Eagles technical crew and other football officials.

The NFF though are behind Keshi, “We appointed Keshi for the Super Eagles job and we have resolved to give him a free hand to pick the players he deems fit to prosecute matches and thus far his selections have produced results,” a top NFF official said.

The NFF technical committee was mandated to mediate in a presumed looming dressing room crisis involving Keshi and his players. “We are going to look at the issues objectively. A coach is a coach and is in charge of the team and can decide on the players who could best play a game for him.”

NFF technical committee chairman Chris Green  told newsmen. “However, when players begin to complain and senior players for that matter, there is need for us to mediate because the team can only achieve more when they are united. I remember how we resolved the issue of former coach Samson Siasia and Osaze Odemwingie.