The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sacked
Stephen Keshi as Super Eagles coach.
The NFF announced the sacking on their
website late on Saturday night, following intense speculations on social
media.
Former Eagles coach Shaibu Amodu will take
temporary charge of the team, along with Salisu Yusuf, a former Keshi
assistant.
The NFF website wrote: “A statement by the
NFF Executive Committee on Saturday said this decision was made, “having
thoroughly reviewed the reports/findings of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and
NFF Technical and Development Committee, as well as having reviewed the actions
and inactions of Mr. 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.”
The statement went further: “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.”
It added that the termination was “without
prejudice to the settlement of any existing and due financial obligations
between the NFF and Mr. Keshi.”
NFF 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi
Akinwunmi, speaking on behalf of the entire Executive Committee of NFF, assured
Nigerians that the decision was not taken lightly or with any prejudice, but in
the ultimate interest of Nigeria football. He thanked Mr. Keshi for his
services to the country and wished him the very best in his future endeavours.
“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,” said Akinwunmi.
