Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi

Following an uproar at the weekend that higher authorities in sports in the country are making moves to monitor every activity of the national team, the Super Eagles ahead of its crucial Nations Cup qualifier against Liberia, Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, says it’s a normal development, but pleaded that he should be given peace of mind to do the job entrusted to him.

Keshi, who has midwife a near perfect blend between home-based players and their foreign counterparts since he took over the national team, says he would rather not comment on the interest of top sports officials at all levels in the national team, since every Nigerian has a right to ask and make input into the team.

“But what I will plead and ask for is to be left alone to concentrate on my job as the national coach. I will take advise from every well-meaning Nigerian, but I will not take insults and distractions," he declared.

The Big Boss, as Keshi is fondly called, said his team is on course to qualify for both the Nations Cup in South Africa and the World Cup in Brazil, but is aware that certain people will still want to cause disaffection in the national team. Asking such individuals to leave the team alone and join in the task of building a national team that Nigerians will be proud of.

He again acknowledged the huge support he has received from the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, led by, Aminu Maigari and all other stakeholders and said with such support the team is united in its quest to return to the pinnacle of African and indeed global football.