Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Sanni Lulu Abdullahi has pleaded with Nigerians to lean their support to the head coach of the senior national team, Super Eagles, Coach Stephen Keshi in his bid to qualify the country for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Lulu spoke against the backdrop of some people who are still blaming Keshi for the players and the federation’s match bonus row prior to the Confederations Cup tournament held in Brazil.
He explained that at this time that the team is looking forward for a crucial World Cup qualifying tie against the Flames of Malawi, the technical crew led by Coach Keshi needs support from everybody and not blame or condemnation over what has happened some months ago.
“Yes, nobody is free of criticism, especially when holding public position like Keshi himself, but the criticism should be constructive enough to help him and not to demoralise him,” he said.
Lulu explained further that what happened in Namibia is beyond Stephen Keshi, adding that if the players had made up their minds for a course there is nothing the coach can do to change their minds rather he will become the recipient of their actions.
“What do people expect of Keshi when players are pressing on for their demands? At that time Keshi was vulnerable because anything he does might be counterproductive, because if he had persuaded them to take the pay cut, definitely it could lead to saboteur in the field of playing.”
