Keshi’s Manager Apologises to NFF, Says Conflict Resolved

Duro Ikhazuagbe
In what appears a last attempt to paper the cracks in the frosty relationship between out-of-contract Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Manager of the former Togo and Mali coach, Emmanuel Ado, insisted yesterday that whatever issue that was delaying the return of the Big Boss to the Glass House would be resolved amicably.

Ado told reporters yesterday that Keshi holds the President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, in high esteem despite some of the disparaging remarks of the Eagles                                                                                                                       coach about the Glass House leadership.

"The problem, whether real or imagined between them, would always be resolved amicably in the interest of the game and the country they both love.

"Keshi has always related well with Amaju as a brother and as chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission before now. The chairman’s passion and achievements over the years bear eloquent testimony  to what he is capable of replicating in his new job at the NFF. After the 2013 Nations Cup, Amaju was instrumental to Delta State Government hosting the team and the renaming of the Asaba Township Stadium after Stephen Keshi" observed Ado.

He dismissed insinuations that Keshi and Pinnick can never work together.
“Both men understand that in the interest of Nigerian football, they must work together to move the game forward. The lessons of the last few months is that united we win and divided we fail," Ado further stressed.

"Allow me to state unequivocally that there will always be differences, but it is how these differences are managed that is critical. So moving forward I expect that the board, the media, the fans and the coach would continue to rub minds on issues that will help our football, but once the coach takes a decision he should be supported".

Ado further described as unfortunate the story in certain newspapers that Keshi called the president of the federation a liar."Keshi is ever decorous and will never use such word for the president of the federation. He is too cultured to use such a word."Those who profit from sensationalism as a way of life, create chaos by "twisting facts out of context only to suit their  own purpose".

The other unfortunate story that I have read  is that Keshi was behind the arrest and detention of the former President Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

"This is a blatant lie. Who is Keshi to order his arrest?. The truth is that Keshi visited Maigari and prayed for his release. And Maigari was also instrumental in him becoming the chief coach of the Super Eagles," said Ado.
“In the interest of peace and for the record I want to first and foremost thank Alhaji Aminu Maigari for his support for my client. And to stress that Keshi never and would never wish him any ill-luck. History will remember his contributions to Nigerian football."
On behalf of Keshi, Ado apologise to all Nigerians and most especially the fans for the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2015 AFCON.

"There were problems that contributed to the failure of the team to qualify for Equatorial Guinea which by the grace of God has been largely resolved. We ask for forgiveness and support for the  team to ensure that they get back to their winning ways.

On the issue of the NFF reportedly offering his client a "slave contract," Ado explained that he was the one who made the statement in the context of reports that "Keshi was going to sign the contract without negotiations.

"I made that statement that Keshi will not sign the contract until he has made an input. That contracts are not take it or leave it documents. And that only a slave has no say when his destiny is being decided. And I have been vindicated by NFF’s meeting with us and issues that the federation and Keshi had reservations about were thrashed out,” he revealed.

Ado further commended the Federation and most especially Mr. Felix Anyasi, the Chairman of the Technical committee and his members for the professional manner they handled issues relating to the contract.