The NFF is currently gearing up for AFCON qualifier matches against South Africa and Republic of Congo, but so much drama has clouded the house. First came the cancellation of a board election by the world football governing body FIFA, and then the emergence of Amaju Pinnick as the new NFF boss, who subsequently sacked the chief coach of the Super Eagles after they lost to Sudan. This decision was eventually reversed after Keshi was reinstated as the head coach by the NFF, whose powers were overridden by the presidency yet again.
Now that Keshi is back, what will be the possible outcome and its implications? Will Keshi’s return be a case of NFF lacking credibility by going back to her vomit or will it be an act of genius by Mr. President?
Spanning from the moment Nigeria won her first title after 19 years, there has been no love lost between Steven Keshi and some quarters of the Federation. Keshi, after winning the trophy for Nigeria, announced his resignation immediately, only for the presidency to persuade him back to the job. From that moment the Eagles appeared to be Keshi’s ‘Ping Pong’.
This became even more evident in his refusal to invite some of the most brilliant Nigerian players at that time for crucial matches including the last Confederation’s Cup and World Cup. Call it his aura or overconfidence, but Keshi started losing his charm in the eyes of Nigerian fans.
On the other hand, Keshi possesses one of the best CVs around; his achievements in other countries including Togo, coupled with his last achievement with Nigeria makes him the No. 1 candidate for the Eagles Job.
The Super Eagles ascended and declined under his watch, so it makes it easier since he might know where the problem lies. As ‘a mechanic will always know the fault with his automobile’, Keshi’s reinstatement might just be a chance for him to prepare his ‘soup’ this time with more diligence knowing fully well the ingredients he skipped previously.
