I am one of those against the return of Stephen Keshi as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The Nigeria Football Federation demonstrated through its body language that Keshi was not wanted. The two parties were forced into the ‘marriage’ and that is not good for football. The question is why did it take the NFF 282 days to engage a coach? The intrigues gave rise to speculations, suspense and there was outrage generally over the delay. Keshi ordinarily was supposed to get the sack after he failed to qualify Nigeria for the 2015 AFCON.
His predecessor, Samson Siasia, was asked to go for not qualifying Nigeria for the 2012 AFCON. The Big Boss used his influence in the corridors of power to hold on tight to the job. It is ridiculous that while the NFF was in search of a coach there were no options. They gave an impression that the job was only meant for Keshi. Despite NFF’s reluctance to engage the former international, he got the job apparently because his powers reigned supreme and today, he is back as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. So much time has been lost by the Super Eagles. The World Cup ended last July and since then the Nigerian senior team has been without direction and concrete plans for progress.
The last four friendly matches were played with a stand-in coach, Daniel Amokachi, who is not going to be part of the new crew. The scenario we have now is such that it is an advantage for Keshi who understands the terrain to take over the team. The NFF, with the delay threw away its options of engaging a new coach. The 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers start in June and so the task before the returnee Big Boss is enormous. The Eagles are currently in tatters. Vincent Enyeama is on the way out after 100 caps for Nigeria.
The backline is horrible. The two current halfbacks, Efe Ambrose and Elderson Echiejile, are below average. In the midfield, Mikel Obi is still the commander but he is not enjoying regular playing time at Chelsea. Ogenyi Onazi is reliable enough to play in the defensive midfield role but he is also not featuring regularly for his club and he switches off and on in Nigerian colours. Creativity is lacking in the midfield generally and this has reduced the goal scoring chances of the team. Ahmed Musa is the only shining light in the attack. All other strikers are not doing well at club level and have been poor for the national team. The ‘shape’ of the team for now is a herculean task for Keshi. During the week, I was glad Keshi admitted he had no team. However, he should be ready to make the best out of the situation by getting results for a job he desperately fought to cling on to.
Flying Eagles captain, Musa Muhammed, could be given a chance to compete for the right back position while Taiwo Awoniyi in my view is also good enough for the striking role. Awoniyi will be 18 in August and one can count many players that shot into limelight at 16 or 17 years. Nigeria has Egypt, Tanzania and Chad to contend with in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers. Only one team will pick the group’s automatic ticket and seven-time African champions, the Pharaohs of Egypt, cannot be underrated. If the house is not in order, Tanzania and Chad could also upset Nigeria. Sudan surprisingly did at the last qualifiers. NFF and Keshi must forget the past grievances. Both parties must work with sincerity such that Nigerians will see the results in the Super Eagles.
There is also a need for a quality psychologist for the team. Reality is that Keshi is in charge again and he needs the support of all Nigerians. In my capacity, I will give massive support to Keshi because in the end, the glory goes to Nigeria. I urge followers of the game to do the same for the Eagles. Of course I am also aware of Keshi’s arrogance and stubbornness but it is important to play one’s part. Former internationals should also rally round the coach to excel this time because we cannot afford to miss another AFCON ticket. Keshi’s return came to many as a surprise but it is better to accept the situation as it is especially because Super Eagles belong to us all, not to Keshi.