NFF Sacks Stephen Keshi

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has terminated the appointment of Stephen Keshi as Head Coach of the Senior National Football Team, the Super Eagles.

The NFF Executive Committee on Saturday said in a statement that the 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 Stephen Keshi in the performance of his duties as Super Eagles’ Head Coach.”

The Federation said Keshi was found to “lack the required commitment to achieve the Federation’s objectives as set out in the Coach’s employment contract.
“To this end and pursuant to the provisions of Clause 4.3 of the Employment Contract between 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 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 Keshi.”
Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF 1st Vice President, 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.

Akinwunmi 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,” said Akinwunmi.