This interview was attracted from SL10:
With the Nigeria Football Federation yet to either hire a new coach, or
sort out the future of Stephen Keshi as the Super Eagles coach, less
than three months to the start of the qualifiers for the 2017 African
Cup of Nations, sl10.ng speaks exclusively to former Green Eagles
captain, former Super Eagles coach, and former technical committee
member of the Nigeria Football Federation, Christian Chukwu. ‘Chairman’
as he’s fondly called talks about the inaction of the NFF in appointing a
coach for the former African champions, amongst other issues. Enjoy.
Sl10: Chairman, there isn’t any change to the appointment of a
coach for the Super Eagles since we last spoke to you, other than
Stephen Keshi being offered a new contract which he’s yet to sign.
Are
you surprised?
Chukwu: I can’t really say I’m surprised because I did
tell you the last time that the body language of the NFF doesn’t
suggest they want to retain Keshi. But now that they have offered him a
new contract, maybe they’ve changed their minds and decided to stick
with him. But whatever they decide to do, they should understand that
time is of the essence here. The qualifiers for the next Africa Cup of
Nations will start very soon and we must have a coach in place for that.
Sl10: Do you think it’s a wise move to offer a new contract to Keshi?
Chukwu: I don’t think I’m in a position to determine
that. But the body language before was that they didn’t want him and now
they have offered him a new contract, so maybe now they want him. If
they still decide to go for another coach, good. The most important
thing is to do it before it gets late, we do not have too much time
left.
Sl10: Keshi will earn the same N5m he earned from his last
contract, but this time, he is to report to the technical director, and
consult with the technical committee and the technical study group
before inviting players. You think those clauses are plausible?
Chukwu: Well that is left for Keshi to decide. The
good thing about being offered a contract is that if you think it is not
in your favor, you can choose not to sign it. But if it is okay with
him, he will sign and if it is not, then he will not sign. Every coach
is different. What is good for me may not be good for others. So I can’t
speak for Keshi on that.
Sl10: Okay, let’s talk about the Flying Eagles, they started
the Africa Youth championship on a positive note. How far do you see
them going?
Chukwu: I have always said this is one team Nigerians
should look out for because they have some very good players and I was
not surprised they won their first game against the hosts. They will
play some tougher games but I have high hopes for them. I really can’t
say how far they will go, but I hope they win it.
Sl10: Thank you very much Chairman
Chukwu: You’re welcome my brother.
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