Keshi explains quit threat
by Sammy Wejinya 07 February 2013, 17:45
Head coach of the Nigerian national team, Stephen Keshi has moved to explain the reasons behind his declarations that he may leave his post after the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
The ‘Big Boss’ shocked the football world while making the announcement at a press conference in Durban on Tuesday but he has now moved to explain his comments.
“It doesn’t really matter what people think about what Stephen Keshi is doing. The most important thing is what I am doing here and passing on to my team. If back home in my country, they don’t appreciate what I am doing with the team, so be it,” Keshi explained.
It was widely reported that Keshi fell out with top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso in their opening game of the competition with the former national team captain threatening to walk out on the team.
Keshi also hinted in a thinly-veiled remark that there is no love lost with the NFF officials.
“You can’t force somebody to love you. You can’t force somebody to accept you. It has to come from within,” he stated.
Following his 10-year coaching career that has seen him manage the Togo and Mali national sides, Keshi stressed that he could be on the move from his current post after the 2013 Afcon.
“We are all professionals. If God grants me (the Afcon title with Nigeria today), the very next day, I might pack my things and leave for another country.
“It is the same thing with (Jose) Mourinho and all the other top coaches in the world. I could stay on and I could leave. It depends on the situation.
“I am a professional and we will see how it goes.
“This is where my heart is, I captained the Super Eagles for 14 years. I have been here as assistant coach. I am here for now but after the tournament, we will see if there is any (offer) out there,” he concluded.
