The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has sacked Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi over his listing as an applicant for the Ivory Coast coaching job.

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.”

TheStreetReporters.com recalls that the NFF had said the coach would be sacked if it was established that he actually applied for
the job.

Keshi had consistently denied applying for the job.

Both the NFF spokesman, Ademola Olajire and
Keshi’s manager, Emmanuel Ado confirmed the
development to newsmen.

The action of the football body has sent shocks down the spines of most Nigerians.

NFF had set several targets for Keshi and had warned that his contract was to be terminated if he did not meet them.

The 53-year-old was also required to sign a code
of conduct and was expected to work with the Nigerian Football Federation technical committee.

However, the NFF’s technical committee boss
Felix Anyansi-Agwu had expressed confidence in Keshi’s ability to deliver, saying: “The NFF board is
confident Stephen Keshi can take the Super
Eagles to new heights.

“We want Nigerians to see this as a new beginning and to support the team and the NFF.”

Keshi, who also won the Nations Cup as a player
with Nigeria in 1994, had his job threatened on several occasions before his eventual sack by the NFF.

However, 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.

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