PORT HARCOURT – A member of the National Assembly, Rep. Ogbonna Nwuke, has urged the Nigeria Football Association to renew the contract of Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, for continuity.
Nwuke, (APC- Etche/Omuma), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the decision of the NFA to open talks with Keshi to renew his contract was commendable.
“Last year, Keshi was rated the fifth best coach in Africa, coming ahead of some foreign coaches.
“And I think that as the NFA has thought it necessary to extend his contract means a vote of confidence not just of the football house, but of the Nigerian people.
“So, for me, I am gladdened by that fact that Keshi will still remain in the saddle and that the Eagles that he took to South Africa and groomed for the world cup can mature from one level to another, both the coach and the team.’’
Nwuke said Keshi’s ability to take the eagles to the round of 16 in the world cup was a plus for African football, saying that big countries with huge potential did not make it beyond the first round.[eap_ad_2]
“Africans have the flair, Europeans have the skill.
“But for us to have proceeded beyond the round robin stage to the group of 16 when big countries such as Spain and England fell means that the team has improved.
“It is evidence that with proper nurturing the Eagles can grow with Keshi,’’ he said.
The legislator urged stakeholders and fans to stop putting pressure on Keshi, especially in players’ selection.
“Let players always be chosen on merit. Let everybody play for the shirt. Let everybody be allowed into a team on the basis of competence and performance,’’ Nwuke said. (NAN)[eap_ad_3]