The Nigeria Football Federation late Saturday announced that it had wielded the big stick against Super Eagles Head coach, Stephen Keshi, by terminating his appointment.
In a statement by the NFF Executive Committee, the decision was made having thoroughly reviewed the reports of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and NFF Technical and Development Committee, as well as having allegedly reviewed the actions and inactions of Stephen Keshi, in the performance of his duties as Super Eagles’ Head Coach, which we found to lack the required commitment to achieve the Federation’s objectives as set out in the Coach’s employment contract.
“To this end and pursuant to the provisions of Clause 4.3 of the Employment Contract between Mr. Stephen Keshi and the NFF (The Contract) and the various clauses therein, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to exercise its option to summarily terminate the employment contract of Mr. Stephen Keshi with the Federation with immediate effect,” NFF said.
“In the interim, the Super Eagles’ team affairs will be jointly managed by Assistant Coach, Salisu Yusuf and the Technical Directorate of the NFF headed by Coach Shuaibu Amodu, until the Federation names in due course a new Head Coach, who, along with the NFF will chart a new direction for the Super Eagles to ensure credible participation in international competitions and assist in building a sustainable football culture for the country.”
The NFF said its action was without prejudice to the settlement of any existing and due financial obligations between the NFF and Keshi.
The statement quoted the NFF First Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, as assuring Nigerians that the decision was not taken lightly or with any prejudice, but in the ultimate interest of Nigerian football.
While thanking Keshi for his services to the country, Akinwunmi also wished him well in his future endeavours.
