President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick has said that Coach Stephen Keshi was sacked to safeguard him from the wrath of enraged Nigerian fans, who were on the brink of lynching him during Wednesday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Sudan.
Pinnick and other NFF Executive Committee members watched with awe, as fans pelted Keshi with water bottles and stones as they demanded for the head of the 2013 AFCON winner at the Abuja National Stadium, venue of the match, which Nigeria won 3-1 to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for next year’s tournament in Morocco.
Chants of “Keshi must go:, “sack Keshi” and “we don’t want Keshi again” rented the air as fans went overdrive in their bid to get their voices heard by the NFF, who swiftly swung into action in the wee hours of yesterday by axing the former Togo and Mali coach.
And speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo yesterday, Pinnick explained the personal safety of Keshi was considered more important than anything else.
Pinnck, it was learnt told the Minister that he was shocked with the hostile reception of the fans towards Keshi, arguing that it would be dangerous for Keshi to remain as coach in the face of such hostility.
He added that it was the first time in recent years that abuses and stones were rained down on a Nigerian coach by fans.
“It was too much to bear. The fans were coming for him and it was going to be a security risk for us as people had ran out of patience and were prepared to break the law to achieve their aim. Keshi’s personal safety was paramount in our decision to relieve him of his duties”, Pinnick said.
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I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist
Posted: at 17-10-2014 06:12 AM (9 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Bashbilly at 17-10-2014 06:30 AM (9 years ago) (m)
Eya keshi u try but it is game up
Posted: at 17-10-2014 06:30 AM (9 years ago) | Newbie
Doziefelix at 17-10-2014 11:23 AM (9 years ago) (m)
Keshi as a player and a coach in this country made his marks. However, he became principality and power and as is normal, could not see those invisible amours he invented against himself with his arrogance, vindictive and unforgiven spirit. His sack is a big relief but who steps into his shoes?
Posted: at 17-10-2014 11:23 AM (9 years ago) | Upcoming
kwamebuyaya at 17-10-2014 11:55 AM (9 years ago) (m)
ungrateful Nigerians! You people forget so soon what he has achieved for this country in terms of laurels he's won. We shall see what the next coach has in stock for you ungrateful fans.
Posted: at 17-10-2014 11:55 AM (9 years ago) | Upcoming
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