Delta State Sports Commission chairman, Amaju Pinnick, has thrown his support behind Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, stating that the criticisms he is receiving after elimination from the FIFA Confederations Cup, are not necessary.
Pinnick admitted that he initially doubted Keshi’s ability to lead the national team, but that the former Mali boss has proved him wrong.
“It is fundamentally wrong to assume that Keshi has reached his limit. Keshi should not be condemned but celebrated,” Amaju told Vanguard Sports.
“He has been on duty for only two years and within this period we won the Nations Cup, something we were doing under an indigenous coach for the first time. Everybody is celebrating Alex Ferguson for the feat he achieved with Manchester United.”
Reacting to Martins Osaile’s comments about Keshi, with regards to Osaze Odemwingie, Pinnick said: “But how many years did he work before he won his first trophy? Martin Osaile wants Osaze back to the Eagles. I don’t have anything against that. But we won the Nations Cup without Osaze.
“We all know that Osaze has a history of clashes with coaches. He had problems with Amodu, Lagerback, Siasia and now Keshi. Indiscipline or impunity is not a synonym for heroism. Has Osaze changed? Does he respect the coach?
“Even in Europe he quarrels with his managers. What will become of the Eagles if he returns to the team without changing? Keshi should stand tall for the decisions he has been taking.
“Osaile might have some points but he should have channeled them to Keshi and not to attack him publicly. I did not believe in Keshi before the Nations Cup. And I told him when we met. But he had a superior argument over the points I raised and he later proved me wrong.”
“During the Nations Cup, we saw the Eagles play with rhythm for the first time in a very long time. There was link from the defence to midfield and from there to attack. I think that we should celebrate Keshi. On the issue of marketing players which Osaile alleged, my question is which coach does not sell players?”
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