Keshi Is 'A Confused Coach' - Emmanuel Babayaro

One of Nigeria's goalkeepers to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, USA, Emmanuel Babayaro, has reacted to Stephen Keshi’s denial about his resignation from his role as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

The Nigerian coach was reported in the media to have resigned from his role during a meeting he had with his players after Nigeria’s 0-2 loss to France in the round of 16 of the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup holding in Brazil.

But the following day, Keshi denied he has resigned, saying he only bid his players farewell because his contract will expire after the World cup and he hasn’t been offered a new one.

Speaking on the matter on Wednesday, 2 July, 2014, Babayaro described Keshi's denial as that of a confused man.

He said: “When I read about his denial, I felt disappointed because he failed to convince me with his side of the story.

* Coach Keshi

“To start with, he didn’t deny he wished his players bye, if he truly have hopes of continuing he won’t address his players so fast, at least let the pain of crashing out subside a little, and maybe hear from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, bigwigs before telling his players he might not continue like he claimed.

“To me he is looking for attention and maybe he is at cross roads over to stay or leave, he appears confused a bit as he loves Nigeria and his job.”

Babayaro, who is the elder brother of another former Super Eagles player, Celestine Babayaro, also advised the NFF to address the issue of Keshi’s stay or departure because the 2015 Africa Nations cup is around the corner.

“Our first qualifier for the Nations cup in 2015 is less than two months away, we should be concern with players invitations not who will handle the team?”

* Emmanuel Babayaro

“The NFF most move quickly,make a decision on his future to avoid panics when the qualifiers are close or begin."

It could be recalled that Nigeria is grouped with Sudan, South Africa and a third that would be decided after the third round of qualifiers.

In a related development, the NFF has said it would not hold Keshi from quitting his job if he decides to leave.

Though most football fans in Nigeria are calling for Keshi to stay, some reports are already saying the NFF has shortlisted Michael Emenalo, Sunday Oliseh and former Eagles coach Samson Siasia as replacement for Keshi's job.

Source: Legit.ng