Shuaibu Amodu has turned down his appointment as Super Eagles interim coach offered him by the Maju Pinnick-led NFF board, and instead thrown his backing for the recall of Stephen Keshi to tinker the team for the two remaining matches of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a letter dated 27th October, 2014 and addressed to NFF president Amaju Pinnick through the Chairman of NFF Technical Committee, the 56 –year old tactician who was named as new Head Coach penultimate week, said he wanted Keshi to be reconsidered for the two matches as the time –frame is too short to tinker with the fabric of the squad or start to build a new one altogether.
“Following wide consultations that I have carefully made within the past two weeks since the appointment, and for the sake of professionalism, I want to specially appeal to you to reconsider the matter and allow Stephen Keshi to finish the project that he has started – the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying race,” requested Amodu.
“Sir, my opinion also is that the time –frame is too short to start tinkering with the fabric of the team or attempt to build a new team altogether.
“As technical director of the NFF, I am ready and willing to help build a better relationship among Keshi (with whom I have enjoyed good working relationship in the past and who is still very close to me), the players and the NFF technical committee.
“I am assuring you, Mr. President, that I will offer whatever assistance required by Keshi and his crew for the remaining two matches, and also be there to offer advice, suggestions and efforts towards building a stronger Super Eagles team after the qualifying race.”
Nigeria play Congo Brazzaville in Pointe Noire on November 15, before taking on South Africa in Uyo four days later, needing to not only win both matches but defeat Congo by a margin of two goals away, to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2015 finals.
Shaibu Amodu has pleaded with the NFF to allow Stephen Keshi to be in charge for the Super Eagles remaining Afcon qualifiers against Congo-Brazzaville and South Africa.
“Following wide consultations that I have carefully made within the past two weeks since the appointment, and for the sake of professionalism, I want to specially appeal to you to reconsider the matter and allow Stephen Keshi to finish the project that he has started – the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying race,” Amodu said in a letter addressed to NFF President Amaju Pinnick.
“Sir, my opinion also is that the time –frame is too short to start tinkering with the fabric of the team or attempt to build a new team altogether.
“As Technical Director of the NFF, I am ready and willing to help build a better relationship among Keshi (with whom I have enjoyed good working relationship in the past and who is still very close to me), the players and the NFF Technical Committee.
“I am assuring you, Mr. President that I will offer whatever assistance required by Keshi and his crew for the remaining two matches, and also be there to offer advice, suggestions and efforts towards building a stronger Super Eagles’ team after the qualifying race.”
