Following Nigeria’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, there has been uncertainty around the future of coach Stephen Keshi after he announced his ‘resignation’ from his post.
Developments have since revealed that the manager had a contract which was to expire after the World Cup. As such, Keshi had taken the absence of talks over a renewal from his handlers at the Nigerian Football Federation to mean a lack of intent to retain him as coach of the Super Eagles. However, following his public announcement, power play has since ensued with powers as high as the Presidency reportedly involved in attempting to get Keshi to remain in the dugout of the national team.
AfricanFootball.com reports that Keshi met with President Goodluck Jonathan and requested that his current wages be doubled. If his request is granted, Keshi will be set to earn N10 million ($63,000) monthly. In addition, reports also suggest that Keshi has requested that the salary be paid upfront to prevent delays which he experienced during the duration of his former contract after he went unpaid for long periods.
According to a source, Keshi also demanded other conditions be met before he decided to renew his contract as head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. “He demanded for 10 million Naira a month, which he wants to be paid upfront to check any delays. He also wanted what he called a free hand as regards his team selection and preparations, saying he no longer wishes to deal with the technical committee.”
With news that the Presidency confirmed that Keshi’s demands ‘will be considered’, it appears that the man who brought Nigeria its first African football championship trophy in 19 years may be trusted to continue in his role.
With the South African Football Association denying claims that Keshi had been contacted or contracted to be next Bafana Bafana boss, it appears that Keshi could be line to remain the coach of the Super Eagles albeit at the princely sum of $750,000 per year.
