BY TONY UBANI
*Speaks on Mikel
THE Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, stated yesterday that they would not forgive Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi if the nation does not qualify for the African Cup of Nations
to be held in South Africa next year.
The Federation is still being haunted by the Eagles non qualification of the last edition held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea under coach Samson Siasia.
Reviewing the Eagles 2-2 draw with the Lone Star of Liberia weekend in Monrovia where
goalkeeper Vincent Enyeamah's howler allowed the Liberians to equalise in a match that
the Eagles deserved to win, Chairman of NFF Media Committee, High Chief Emeka Inyamah said that Keshi remains totally in control of the Eagles.
''Keshi has the powers not to invite any player who will not help the course of the team. He
is in charge. The technical committee will review the match but their job remains advisory.
We have absolute confidence in him and he knows that his contract is tied to qualifying Nigeria to South Africa and Brazil for the Nations Cup and the World Cup respectively'',
Inyamah said.
Considering the exclusion of Chelsea's Mikel Obi in Eagles in the recent, Inyamah dismissed with a wave of the hand suggestions that Keshi did not want him in Eagles.
''There is no iota of truth in that. Keshi has nothing personal against Mikel. They were in contact before the match in Monrovia.
Mikel was excused because the game was to be played on artificial turf but when they moved over to grass, it was late to invite him.
There is no reason for Keshi to leave out Mikel or any other good player. They are Nigerians. But what we cannot condone is indiscipline.
The coach knows better and we are pleased with his performance so far '', smooth-talking
Inyamah said.
On the Liberian match, Inyama said that the draw has put Nigeria in good stead to
qualify for the Nations Cup.
"There is no cause for alarm. It is a match that the Eagles should have won. We are not satisfied with the result but we are not disappointed. All I know is that Nigeria will be in South Africa no matter what it takes.
that President Goodluck Jonathan came to cheer the team and watch them in training. He
made calls, too. That is a sign of uncommon leadership and his motivation is unrivaled.
NFF will blame itself if Nigeria does not qualify.
But we are not contemplating that. No, no, no. Not again!'', Inyamah said.
Vanguard Nigeria
All hands must be on deck to ensure Nigerian's qualification for next year's Africa Nations Cup.