Sack Keshi if he fails – Obaseki

A former Nigeria Football Federation vice president, Oyuki Obaseki, has urged the body to sack Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, if he fails to deliver on his assignments: qualifying for the 2017 African Cup of Nations being the most immediate.

He admonished those not satisfied with the re-hiring of Keshi to “sheath their sword” and allow the beleaguered coach to either ‘hire or fire himself ’ going forward. Having failed to lead Nigeria to the 2015 AFCON, many followers of the game felt Keshi should have been sent packing as was the case with Samson Siasia when he was also unable to qualify the Eagles for the 2012 AFCON.

But the federation, after a long period of dithering, finally gave Keshi the job, incurring the angst of fans who argued that the “Big Boss” had no business being given a second chance. “The NFF must have the courage to hire and fire its coaches, that is the practice everywhere.

If Keshi fails to deliver on his mandate, the federation should relieve him of the job without any fuss. His performances should either hire or fire him. So that is why I couldn’t understand all the hoopla when the contract negotiation dragged on,” noted Obaseki.

“Those who were against his re-appointment had no say in the matter; what could they have done? Those in charge of the game have taken a decision but if it doesn’t turn out right in the end, they should also have the courage to fire the coach.”

Obaseki, a former chairman of the Nigeria Premier League, also alluded to the presidential patronage that Keshi enjoyed which made it impossible to sack him when he failed in his assignment. He noted that such cover should not stop the NFF from doing its duty in the future.

“Whatever the situation, the football federation must be able to hire and fire its coaches without interference from any quarters. President Goodluck Jonathan obviously likes Keshi and that made if difficult for the NFF to do its job, but the situation is different now, Jonathan is on his way out. But again, this situation underlines the way politics has seeped into our football with its consequences,” said Obaseki.