By Udo Toby Prince
Gabriel Okechukwu is one name that has made the headlines over the past few weeks because of the controversy surrounding his invitation for the Super Eagles game against Chad.
The Water FC striker, regarded by many as a ‘non-league’ player, was a last minute replacement for injured Michael Babatunde.
Dubbed the Nigerian Robin van Persie, the 19-year-old possesses the attributes of the Dutchman – a lethal left footed striker.
He ironically failed to make the final cut for the FIFA U-20 World Cup after he was named in the provisional 35 man squad.
So in what way did he cost Keshi his job?
The first reason being that the former Nigeria skipper invited an unknown player without proper consultations, thereby breaching some clauses in his contract.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) therefore issued a query to the Big Boss over issues surrounding the player’s inclusion.
“From the facts given and evidence of the fact that Gabriel Okechukwu was invited from a non- league football club that only existed by name whereas there are a number of talented players who play in the leagues thereby compromising his position and failing in his duties in flagrant breach of Clause 5.8 of his contract of employment,” the NFF disciplinary committee said.
“He also did not consult and there is no evidence suggesting that he consulted with the Federation’s Technical Study Group in the selection of players invited to the Super Eagles in breach of Clause 5.4,” stated the disciplinary panel under heading “issue number 3”.
The panel also interpreted Keshi’s action to imply that Okechukwu was invited to the national team for personal interest or on the basis of ethnicity or on religious lines which is a grave violation of the code of conduct for coaches in schedule 1 of the contract.
Secondly, the panel accused Keshi of hubris and sacrilege by gifting Gabriel the iconic No 10 jersey, only for him to be left on the reserve bench during the match which Nigeria won 2-0 through goals by Gbolahan Salami and Odion Ighalo.
The NFF contended that Okechukwu did not yet have the pedigree to be decorated with the influential shirt popularised globally by Pele of Brazil, Maradona of Argentina, Zidane of France and Austin Jay Jay Okocha of Nigeria.
The panel said Keshi compromised the standard of the team in breach of Clause 5.8 of his contract of employment by not using his best available players and by pandering to a non- leaguer when there were better prospects in the local league and in clubs beyond the shores of country.
Despite the rancour and turbulence, the Super Eagles invitee, currently on loan at Teap FC, has been strongly linked with a move to Europe, with German side Borrusia Monchengladbach leading the chase after successfully impressing scouts from the club on their visit to Nigeria.
