Hamilton Urges Support For Keshi

A former Super Eagles Coach, Paul Hamilton, has urged Nigerians to support Coach Stephen Keshi to overcome Kenya’s Harambee Stars in the return leg of the World Cup qualifiers scheduled for June 5.

Nigeria, in the first leg drew 1-1 against the Harambee Stars in Calabar and must win the return leg in Nairobi for consolidation.

Nigeria, in Group F alongside Malawi, Namibia and Kenya of the qualifiers, is currently topping the group with five points from three matches.

Hamilton newsmen in interview on Wednesday that Nigerians have a lot to do for the players to come out victoriously.

“We know Keshi is the coach and he tutors the players, but remember he is not a super man and we all need to support him in order for us all to be happy.

“All hands must be on deck and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should support him and respect his wishes because I think he knows what the best is.

“Remember, as an ex-international who had passed through the stage of being a player, he knows how to get the best performance from the players,’’ Hamilton said.

He added that the players should ensure that they take possession of the ball right from the beginning to the end and avoid last minute mistakes.

“Our players usually get carried away at the late minutes of a match, thereby giving room to the last minute mistakes of conceding goals.

“This is so because they relax, such occurrences should be prevented in this match and in subsequent ones,’’ he said.

Chris Green, the Chairman, NFF Technical Committee, told newsmen that the federation was prepared for a showdown match in Kenya and that Nigeria would be victorious.

Green, who however, declined to disclose how the team intends to overcome the Harambee, assured that the Eagles would maintain its top position in the group.