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| Saying goodbye to Super Eagles,Stephen Keshi moving on from coaching Nigeria. |
Stephen Keshi is saying goodbye to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.Keshi says even though
Nigeria are only 2 weeks away from it's first qualifying games for the African Cup of Nations,the NFF has still not been forthcoming in negotiations with him
According to BBC Sports, Keshi who has been negotiating with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) after his contract expired on 30 June, said nothing has been finalized and he can no longer afford to wait. He said:
"Talks over a new contract shouldn't drag on. I can't wait any more - the NFF is not serious. I have moved on. I can only wish the country well for the future."Talks had been ongoing since July but a series of delays caused by problems within the federation, including the sacking and the FIFA-ordered reinstatement of the governing body's president Aminu Maigari. Keshi continued:
"There's a game in two weeks [Nations Cup qualifier against Congo] but no-one is thinking about it and at the same time they expect you to win. I understand the ongoing crisis facing the federation but the national team should not suffer from such at this crucial stage. Sadly, I also think attention is focused more on the upcoming NFF elections and the national team is simply not a priority." said Keshi.
The NFF officials are understood to have offered Keshi a new four-year deal and same $30,000-a-month salary he was paid in his first stint as manager, while the coach had asked for an increase.
Keshi says he has rejected offers from other African countries while the negotiations have been going on.
"I've had about seven countries approach me in the last two months but I kept them all away. I love my country and I am aware of the dream our fans had of me taking this team to the next level. While acknowledging the efforts of some people involved in the negotiation, I think others probably have other important things to do."
Nigeria have already named a 23-man squad for their upcoming qualifiers against Congo on 6 September and South Africa four days later.