by Joachim MacEbong

Following the intervention of the Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, Keshi reversed his decision a few hours later, but not without putting the spotlight firmly on the Nigerian Football Federation and their love for hiring foreign coaches.

The news of the resignation of Stephen Keshi late on Monday, burst the bubble of a country still on cloud 9 after witnessing the Super Eagles become African champions for the third time. As a shocked nation began speculating and searching for answers, we are once again confronted with the reality of Nigerian football administration.

Before the quarter final match with Ivory Coast, multiple reports state that NFF officials had given up on the team and its chances, and actively sought to replace Stephen Keshi with Herve Renard, the coach of Zambia, who won the trophy last year but failed to leave the group this time around, a group which involved Nigeria. As it happened, the team beat the Elephants, and rode that wave to the title. However, Keshi could never stomach such a humiliation, and announced his intention to quit.

Following the intervention of the Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, Keshi reversed his decision a few hours later, but not without putting the spotlight firmly on the Nigerian Football Federation and their love for hiring foreign coaches, not because they produce better results, but for the monetary gains. Applications will be received, interviews will be conducted, flight tickets and accommodation paid for – as well as salaries – all in foreign currency.

This has happened before. After replacing Bonfrere Jo, Amodu Shuaibu turned around a disastrous campaign for the 2002 World Cup, but was sacked after finishing third at the AFCON that year. After taking over from Berti Vogts in 2008, he again qualified Nigeria for the 2010 World Cup, but was sacked in favour of Lars Lagerback, after finishing third at the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola.

The shameful way Amodu was treated has apparently served as a lesson to Keshi, as well as Clemens Westerhof’s tactic of direct access to government officials, bypassing the football federation.

Despite the Sports Minister’s claim to be unaware of the intention to sack Keshi, and his attempt to claim full credit for resolving the situation, Peterside Idah’s account of events disputes that fact, putting Bolaji Abdullahi at the centre of what is a national embarrassment.

Ambassador,the main reason I must resign is this people don't respect African coaches ,after the game against Ethiopia ,they held a meeting

— idah pee (@IdahPeterside) February 12, 2013

In that meeting the nff people where there and the minister of sports,they decided to sack me and bring the Zambian coach after the game

— idah pee (@IdahPeterside) February 12, 2013

While still getting all the praise for an unexpected victory that has lifted an entire nation, Stephen Keshi has also turned the tables against meddling officials, exposing their greed. Aminu Maigari accused Keshi of not showing him respect by informing him properly of his resignation, but he also did not keep faith when it mattered most, seriously undermining a team that was still in the competition.

It could also be the least of his problems. This is a teachable moment, a chance to effect real change in the way our football is run. It is not yet clear what Keshi demanded in order to stay on, but the hope is that he realises the strength of his position, and takes full advantage.

It is difficult to imagine him working well with people who undermined him to that extent, and the next few days and weeks will certainly be interesting.

————————-

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.