By Udo Toby Prince
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has terminated the contract of Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi.
A statement issued by the NFF Executive Committee on Saturday accused Keshi of violating the terms on his contract.
It said the decision was reached “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 Nigerian football.
He thanked 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,” Akinwunmi concluded.
The 53-year-old was into his second spell as the Super Eagles coach after holding the reigns from 2011.
He won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles but has been on a battle lane with the federation since then.
He was re-engaged for two years by the association in April after a prolonged re-negotiation of his contract and behind-the-scenes settlements.
