Stephen Keshi has said sorry to Nigerians, for failing to qualify the national team for the African Cup of Nations, which was staged in Equatorial Guinea earlier this year.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the tournament, following a 2-2 draw with South Africa, at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo.
NFF president Amaju Pinnick, last week stated that the Big Boss was close to signing a new two-year deal, to continue as the Eagles boss. But it is understood that the former Mali and Togo has scores to settle with top officials of the federation.
Speaking with journalists, his media aide Emmanuel Ado, insisted that Keshi’s relationship with Pinnick and the NFF was one of mutual respect.
“Keshi has always related well with Amaju as a brother and as Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission before now. The chairman’s passion and achievements over the years bear eloquent testimony to what he is capable of replicating in his new job at the NFF,” Ado said.
“After the 2013 Nations Cup, Amaju was instrumental to Delta State Government hosting the team and the renaming of the Asaba township stadium after Stephen Keshi.
“This is contrary to insinuations being made in some quarters, that Keshi and Amaju can never work together.
“For the information of all, both men understand that in the interest of Nigerian football they must work together to move Nigeria football forward. The lessons of the last few months is that united we win and divided we fail.
“Allow me to state unequivocally that there will always be differences, but it is how these differences are managed that is critical. So moving forward I expect that the board, the media ,the fans and the coach would continue to rub minds on issues that will help our football, but once the coach takes a decision he should be supported”, he added.
Keshi was alleged to have called Pinnick “a liar” over contractual terms, but Ado insisted the stories were false and his boss would never speak like that.
“Keshi is ever decorous and will never use such word for the president of the federation. He is too cultured to use such a word.
“Those who profit from sensationalism as a way of life, create chaos by twisting facts out of context only to suit their own purpose,” he continued.
“The other unfortunate story that I have read is that Keshi was behind the arrest and detention of the former President Alhaji Aminu Maigari.
“In the interest of peace and for the record I want to first and foremost thank Alhaji Aminu Maigari for his support for my client.?And to stress that Keshi never and would never wish him any ill luck “History will remember his contributions to Nigerian football.
“In a similar vein, I want to on behalf of Keshi apologize to all Nigerian and most especially the fans for the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2015 edition.”
“There were problems that contributed to the failure of the team to qualify for Equatorial Guinea , which by the Grace of God has been largely resolved. We ask for forgiveness and support for the team to ensure that they get back to their winning ways.
“Everyone has realized that the deliberate falsehoods planted in the media by enemies of progress who believe they are helping both men, is a big disservice to the image of both men and the federation.
“I am happy that everyone has realized that and are determined not to allow the situation to continue, And that what they need is for the Super Eagles to return to playing and winning well”.
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