NFF Sacks Keshi, Amodu Takes Over

Stephen Keshi

The contract of Nige
ria coach Stephen Keshi has been terminated because “he lacks the required commitment” and Shuaibu Amodu will replace him with immediate effect.
A statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) stated, “Having thoroughly reviewed the reports/findings of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and NFF Technical and Development Committee, as well as having reviewed the actions and inactions of Mr. Stephen Keshi, in the performance of his duties as Super Eagles’ Head Coach, which we found to lack the required commitment to achieve the Federation’s objectives as set out in the Coach’s employment contract.”
The statement further stated that “To this end and pursuant to the provisions of Clause 4.3 of the Employment Contract between Mr. Stephen Keshi and the NFF (The Contract) and the various clauses therein, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to exercise its option to summarily terminate the employment contract of Mr. Stephen Keshi with the Federation with immediate effect.”
The NFF also added that Keshi’s sack was “without prejudice to the settlement of any existing and due financial obligations between the NFF and Mr. Keshi.”
The disciplinary committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) headed by Chris Green have been investigating allegations that Keshi applied to coach Cote d’Ivoire while he still has a valid contract with Nigeria.
Last year, Amodu also replaced Keshi as Nigeria coach before the NFF were forced to rescind this decision.
This latest episode between Keshi and his employers is being played out at a time one of Keshi’s “powerful friends” has lost his job and so is no longer in a position to influence decisions concerning the coach.
Amodu, who was last week formally appointed the country’s technical director, will take over as Nigeria coach to be assisted by Salisu Yusuf in a temporary capacity.
The plan, it was gathered from inside sources is for Nigeria to appoint a foreign coach on a permanent basis.