Nigerian Soccer fans on Tuesday, February 16 woke up to the shocking news of Coach Stephen Keshi’s resignation, two days after leading the Super Eagles to a historic AFCON outing in South Africa. But just before the team took-off from the rainbow nation where they won their 3rd AFCON title, the Eagles gaffer released a press statement rescinding his purported resignation. “My attention has been drawn to reports in the Media that I have resigned my appointment as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. While I have had cause to express my displeasure over some issues that happened in the course of our participation in the AFCON 2013, which my team won by the grace of God, especially concerning my relationship with the Nigerian Football Federation, I have since had opportunity to discuss the various issues with all concerned. I am therefore pleased to say that I have reconsidered my position and have decided to continue with my job. I want to thank the Honourable Minister of Sports Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, for his swift and kind intervention,” Keshi revealed. Considering the negative reports that were emanating from the officials of Nigerian contingent and Keshi’s statements during and after the games, it became clear that some heads at the helm of affairs weren’t comfortable with Keshi. Unfortunately to the unseen hands that enjoy themselves when our sports is having problems, Keshi and his lads surprised all by reaching the final of the 2013 AFCON after stuttering in their first two games and even went on to win the trophy with rookies. Meanwhile, the Senate President, David Mark and Nigeria’s first citizen, President Goodluck Jonathan with other well meaning Nigerians have thrown their weight behind the Big Boss. However, it must be noted here that there are some individuals whose personal interest has always rocked the boat for our sports. Senator Mark in his statement buttressed this fact, “I spoke to Keshi this morning and he confided to me that he actually said he has resigned. He (Keshi) said the reason is because there is too much interference. Before the final tournament on Sunday there was a lot of pressure on him that he must accept foreign technical adviser which he opposed because can do the job and that Nigerians can work with him instead of foreign coaches,” the Senate President concluded.
