Shuaibu Amodu, who was recently brought in by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take over the coaching job of the Super Eagles, has asked NFF to allow Stephen Keshi to continue with his job.
Amodu made the position known in a letter dated 27th October. He entreated the NFF president Amaju Pinnik to allow Keshi to handle the team’s remaining matches in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, against Congo on 15th November and South Africa on 19th November.
Amodu said one of the reasons for making the call for Keshi’s reinstatement is that the time-frame given to him is too short to tinker with the fabric of the squad or start to build a new one altogether.
Amadu who was named Keshi’s interim successor two weeks ago, said his decision was after wide consultations, carefully made since the appointment was announced.
“I want to specially appeal to you to reconsider the matter and allow Keshi to finish the project that he has started — the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying race,” the letter read in part.
“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.”
Amodu expressed willingness to help build a better relationship between Keshi, the players and the NFF Technical Committee, saying he would achieve this without stress because he had enjoyed good working relationship with Keshi in the past and the relationship remains cordial.
“I am assuring that I will offer whatever assistance is 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 after the qualifying race,’’ the letter continued.
Nigeria will be at Pointe Noire, Congo Brazzaville on 15th November to play the Congolese, before taking on South Africa in Uyo, Akwaibom State four days after the Congo clash.
The Eagles Need a comprehensive win in both matches to guarantee them qualification into the 2015 AFCON championship.
