Should we leave Keshi alone?

I was in a long chat with a friend who was worried about the campaign to “leave Keshi alone.” My friend recognises the freedom coaches enjoy on technical matters especially with regard to selection of players and team tactics. But he is afraid that the Nigerian factor could make nonsense of the freedom coaches enjoy on technical matters. Nigerians either give in to sentiments or get swayed by inducements.

It is against this background that my friend warns that what works in foreign lands may fail here. He, therefore, argues that we cannot adopt every western practice. My friend was not in any way suggesting that Stephen Keshi could be influenced by whatever inducements but he does not trust all the staff of the Eagles who could in one way or the other influence his selection. It is better to quote my friend who is a senior colleague. His words: “Leave Keshi alone, leave Keshi alone; that’s all we read in the media these days. Ordinarily, we should leave Keshi alone. If you, Onochie, trust Keshi, do you trust others working with him? Do you know that somebody can mount pressure on him and make him include a name for personal interests? Can’t somebody make a strong argument in favour of somebody who may not merit being in the team? Keshi can be convinced to include a name on the grounds that such a player will pick up during the tournament or that he plays better when you pair him with so, so and so player. We have heard that in the past but this is the World Cup. So should we leave Keshi alone? World Cup is not Nations Cup. Should we leave Keshi alone when he includes Chigozie Agbim in the World Cup list? Should we leave Keshi alone when he includes Brown Ideye in the World Cup team? Can we adopt, wholly, what works in western world knowing that circumstances differ? So, should we leave Keshi alone in all matters and swim or sink with him because he is Keshi?” My friend did not allow me to answer before ending the conversation as he hurried to the airport to catch a flight, saying that he would call me on his return. Many Nigerians have their opinions on what the sour relationship between the football federation and Keshi is. It started at the Nations Cup in South Africa. And when the federation queried Keshi few days ago for overstaying on his vacation and for not attending a technical committee meeting, the public renewed the “leave Keshi alone” campaign. Well, Keshi has answered the query, saying that while on leave he attended a course in Brazil and also executed the friendly match against Mexico and that it was normal he extended his leave to cover the said days. He also stated that the date of the meeting was not communicated to him and that he was not aware that President Goodluck Jonathan was to host the CHAN team before he booked his ticket for his leave in the US. NFF board member, Emeka Inyama, in his press conference in Abuja, Tuesday, said the war with Keshi was over and that it was time for absolute cooperation. It may no longer be necessary to delve into the seeming bad blood between Keshi and the Federation although, I must confess that the whole thing has remained a big surprise to me knowing how Aminu Maigari supported and actually approved the engagement of Keshi as Eagles coach. The peace Inyama spoke about will be put to test from now to Brazil beginning with the April 22 meeting when Keshi is expected to defend his provisional list for the World Cup. Will Osaze Odewengie and Ike Uche be on the list? If they are not, will the board insist on their invitation as some board members have canvassed? And what about Chigozie Agbim, Brown Ideye and any other player whose quality is in doubt? This brings me back to the question posed by my friend – do we leave Keshi alone in all these and other matters? My answer is simple. We may not leave Keshi alone in all matters but professionalism demands that we leave him alone on technical matters. The same professionalism also entails that Keshi listens to genuine advice. It does not end there. Professionalism also allows him the final decision as the buck lies on his table. So, as far as Brazil 2014 is concerned, we are stuck with Keshi and Keshi is stuck with us as veteran Bizlaw would put it. For me, the situation calls for cooperation, respect and sincerity on all parties. Osaze had an issue with Keshi and other members of the federation whom he publicly castigated. He had similar problems in his former English club, Westbrom. He has since apologised. Keshi has accepted the apology but it is not yet known if he would invite him. He may and may not. Ike Uche, to the understanding of the entire coaches of the Eagles bluntly refused to play to instructions during the last Nations Cup. It was so bad that his team mates reportedly fumed over his play and asked for his substitution in the final as they claimed that he refused to fall back to help in marking each time Eagles lost the ball. He was said to have acted in same manner in the other matches that he featured. Added to that was his condemnation of the team tactics before some administration officials. He was also said to have always canvassed for the adoption of his club’s tactical approach. It is largely against this background that Keshi has repeatedly said that he was leaving out Ike Uche because he lacked team spirit. I’m entirely of the opinion that the recall or otherwise of Ike Uche and Osaze should be left for Keshi. If the federation coerces Keshi into recalling them where will their loyalty lie especially if they know how they got on the team? And what happens to the team spirit that Keshi has been clamouring for? It is a sensitive matter. Osaze is known in the national team to easily take offence if he is on the bench or substituted in a game. Has he truly changed? As I said before, Uche should make the move to convince Keshi that he would offer his all to the Eagles if given a chance. It is also interesting to note that the two players were awful in their last matches for Nigeria. They are in the news because of their current form in their clubs. However, that one is playing well for his club does not necessarily mean that he will do so for country. But there were times these players performed well for the national team and if Keshi feels he could have them back the choice is his. But if he does not, nobody should try to impose them on him. The crisis that will follow could destroy our World Cup dreams. I don’t think that, based on current form, Keshi will take Agbim to the World Cup. And for Brown Ideye, the man has consistently shown that he lacks the quality to play for us in Brazil. Shola Ameobi did well in the two matches he played for Nigeria. Let’s see more of him in the camp and the friendlies. Chinedu Ogbuke appears to be rising again and could be tried too. I’m sure Keshi must have confidence in some players in that support striking role if he is not recalling Osaze and Uche. Team spirit matters. He is in charge and must enjoy the freedom he deserves on technical matters even if he is not left alone on all matters. But it is also wise to listen to voice of reason. The choice is his. And he takes full responsibility. LET THERE BE PEACE. Thanks Mr. M. O.Udeh Mr. M. O. Udeh from Enugu contributed the piece, An open letter to Onochie Anibeze, which I published last week. Printers Devil deleted his name. The error is regretted. Thanks Mr. Udeh

Adokiye predicts Eagles doom

By JOHN EGBOKHAN 1980 African Nations Cup winner Adokiye Amiesimaka has said that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have set the stage for the Super Eagles to fail at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The first match of the World Cup between Brazil and Croatia is just 62 days away from kicking off in Sao Paolo, while the Eagles get their campaign up and running against Iran on June 16 in Curitiba, amidst hopes of reaching the quarterfinal stage for the very first time, since they made their debut at the 1994 edition in the United States of America. Eagles’ other preliminary matches are against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 21 in Cuiaba and against two-time champions Argentina on June 25 in Porto Alegre. Optimism is high in the Eagles camp that the team will better Nigeria’s best ever feat at the Mundial but ex-international and former Attorney-General of Rivers State, Amiesimaka has cautioned that Eagles may just be lucky to get out of the group stage in Brazil. Speaking in a telephone interview with Sports Vanguard, Amiesimaka accused the NFF of working against the success of Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, who he described as the best coach in Africa, but who ironically, he added was not being helped by the football ruling body in the country. “We are hoping against hope to think that the Eagles will have a great World Cup in Brazil. I say this because the NFF have set the stage for us to fail. We will be lucky to get to the second round, in a group which is considered weak. “Keshi is a world-class coach and even the best in Africa but the guys in the NFF don’t want Keshi to succeed. Let us not deceive ourselves that we are going to Brazil to excel. World Cup is not for dreamers or for people, who are playing dirty politics. It is not a kids thing. It is a serious competition for serious people, who must be united to surmount on the obstacles on the way. We may just be lucky to get out of the group. “Keshi wants Sylvanus Okpala on board as his assistant coach but the NFF don’t want Okpala because of pettiness. This issue has not been resolved and it is going to hunt us in Brazil. NFF do not have the interest of Nigerians at heart. All they are after is for Keshi to fail, so that they can get their foreign coach to manage the team. They want Nigeria to fail to satisfy their interest”, added Amiesimaka. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/adokiye-predicts-eagles-doom/#sthash.7FzWmM9k.dpuf

Maurice Greene to coach Nigeria’s relay teams

By Ben Efe US sprint icon, Maurice Greene has been appointed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria to handle the Nigeria’s relay teams with a view of guiding them to podium performance at international events. AFN president, Solomon Ogba disclosed yesterday that Greene agreed in principle to help the federation’s drive to reposition athletics in Nigeria. He added that the appointment of Greene was with immediate effect and would start preparing the teams for the IAAF World Relays billed for May 24 in Nassau, Bahamas. There are also the Mt Sac Relays and the Pen Relays. “We have appointed Greene as our relay coordinator. He is a big catch for the AFN and Nigeria and we have complete confidence in his ability to turn around the fortunes of our athletes. “He will be guiding our relay teams to all international events. He will also mentor some of our junior athletes like Divine Oduduru, Harry Chukwudike and others,” said the AFN boss. Greene, 39, was a former world record holder in the 100m with a time of 9.79 seconds He also won the world championships five times and has four Olympics gold medals to his belt. Greene known for his antics of intimidating opponents at the starting blocks won three gold medals at the 1999 world championships. His last Olympics was the Athens Games in 2004, where he won a bronze in the 100m and silver in the relay. Greene was also successful indoors, he remains the world record holder in the 60m dash. He is very familiar with Nigerian athletes, most especially Seun Ogunkoya who during his active days frightened Greene and other top sprinters with his awesome strength.

Moyes eager to safeguard United’s European legacy

(AFP) – Manchester United manager David Moyes is backing his side to safeguard their Champions League legacy by eliminating holders Bayern Munich in Wednesday’s quarter-final, second-leg to reach the semi-finals. Having drawn the first-leg 1-1 at Old Trafford, United come to Munich’s Allianz Arena hoping to have England striker Wayne Rooney fit after a toe injury. Moyes has endured a wretched first season in charge and his side are lying seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind Arsenal and a Champions League berth for next season, but a win over Bayern would offer some redemption. Under Moyes’ predecessor Alex Ferguson, United qualified for each Champions League campaign since 1995/96 and Moyes is all too aware that the Europa League will not suffice for the Old Trafford giants. “This is a competition Manchester United has been very successful in and we’ll try to continue that,” said Moyes in Munich’s press conference. “It’s difficult this year, but we’ll keep trying. “My focus is on this game, not next season, the players are focused and they know their job, it’s a big task. “We have a good record in the Champions League and we want to try to continue that.” United must score at the Allianz Arena to progress as Bayern can go through with a goalless draw. “That doesn’t alter our plan,” said Moyes. “Tactically we’ll try to win the game, with the same spirit and determination we showed in the first leg.” United were buoyed by a 4-0 away win at Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, the same day Bayern crashed to their first Bundesliga defeat in 18 months when they went down 1-0 at Augsburg. “We’ll need a very good performance from everybody,” said Moyes. “We prepared well by beating Newcastle, which gave us all a good opportunity to get ready for this game. “We want to be in the final, but first of all we have to make sure we get through tomorrow.” United have only twice beaten Bayern in the Champions League. Their famous 2-1 triumph in the 1999 final was followed by a bitter-sweet 3-2 quarter-final victory at Old Trafford in April 2010, but the Red Devils still went out after the Germans had won the first-leg 2-1 in Munich. “It’s a massive game. We’ll do everything we can to reach the semis, but it’s hard because of the level of competition and quality of the teams,” said Moyes. “I’d like to have more control of the ball (compared to the first leg) and have more affect on the game.” - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/moyes-eager-safeguard-uniteds-european-legacy-origin-germany/#sthash.FtZH6UiT.dpuf

Champions League : Bayern Munich reach semi-finals

MUNICH – Holders Bayern Munich reached the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Manchester United in their quarter-final second leg match at Munich’s Allianz Arena on Wednesday to go through 4-2 on aggregate. France defender Patrice Evra had put United ahead on 57 minutes only for Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic to spark the Bundesliga champions into action two minutes later. Germany striker Thomas Mueller (68) and Dutch winger Arjen Robben (76) completed the scoring for the five-time winners who are bidding to become the first team to defend the Champions League title. Are you disappointed by Man United play tonight? Do share your views. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/champions-league-bayern-munich-reach-semi-finals/#sthash.BETrQNW5.dpuf

Amuneke warns Eaglets

Members of the Nigerian U17 team, the Golden Eaglets, have been warned that only merit would guarantee them a place in the national team. The warning was handed down to them by ex-Barcelona star, and coach of the team, Emmanuel Amuneke. “We are not under any obligation to keep any player that would not be useful to us,” warned the coach. “The reason we picked you amongst thousands is because we believe in you but it is now left for you to convince us that you can do the job” The former Nigerian international warned the players that they have an enormous task ahead of them. He also added that they must take routine training sessions and friendly matches seriously. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/amuneke-warns-eaglets/#sthash.YLpQm7UQ.dpuf

War is over! NFF, Keshi resolve list issue

Emeka Inyama says that there is no tension between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi as all previous disagreements have been amicably resolved. Inyama who is the Chairman of the NFF’s Media and Publicity Committee revealed that the issues that led the Federation to query Keshi have been amicably resolved after the tactician satisfactorily answered to the query. “There have been very worrying issues between the Federation and the Super Eagles,” Inyama said. “It seemed as if there was war, but honestly I want to assure you today that there is peace and no tension between the federation and coach Stephen Keshi. “Keshi is an employee of the NFF and we are his employers. We have had a wonderful working relationship since Keshi was employed.” Inyama, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), reiterated that the Federation have no plans to hire a foreign technical adviser, as they have utmost confidence in the capability of Keshi. “I want to use this platform to clarify that the Federation does not have any plans whatsoever to hire any other coach for the World Cup,” he assured. “We have confidence in Stephen Keshi and we will support him to win. We are focused on the World Cup and in two months’ time, we will go to Brazil and come back with a commendable result,” he added.