Monday 30 June 2014
Keshi Resigns, Yobo Retires After World Cup Exit
Stories emanating from Brazil venue of the ongoing FIFA World Cup has it that Stephen Keshi has quit his job as the Super Eagles head coach with immediate effect.
Keshi had been asked immediately after the game what he planned to do next and his answer was “I don’t know if I will stay,”
However, Ben Alaiya the media officer of the team says he told the players it was over after the round of 16 defeat to France. "He thanked them for all their efforts under his watch as their coach and wished them well for the future." Ben Alaiya said
Keshi is quoted as saying; “I have to go back to my family and face fresh challenges,"
Also, team captain, Joseph Yobo has officially retired from the national team after claiming his 100th cap in the same game - becoming the first Nigerian to do so. He says "it has been an honour. I have loved every minute of every match I have played. I have played in three world cups and won the AFCON so I have run my race".
Yobo made his debut with the Super Eagles in 2001 but became a mainstay of the team during the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
He played at three World Cups and captained Nigeria to the title at the African Cup of Nations last year.
"We've won the African Nations Cup and we came here and were not disgraced," said the Fenerbahce man.
"I never thought that I’d be here because I missed the last six games of the season through injury. They gave me an opportunity but it is unfortunate what happened.
"I gave my all."
Yobo thinks he's leaving the national team in capable hands with defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona able to continue in his place.
"They would grow," he said. "Omeruo has done very well. Oboabona was injured but he got his chance at the Nations Cup. They’re going to get better, the experience is going to come and one of them has to take the responsibility and be a leader."
Goal keeper, Vincent Enyeama who was still very unhappy about the ouster in which he kept on saying "yes we played well but one mistake let us down". He repeated that "one mistake" mantra so many times. Nigerians can tell Vincent Enyeama that no one will hold him responsible for this defeat as he was fantastic throughout the tournament.
His response: "I would rather have had a rubbish match and we are still in the tournament. I sincerely saw us going as far as the semi-final". The goal keeper is also considering his future with the national team.
"I will go back and think about a lot of things. Maybe I might decide to give the the younger ones a chance but I will think about after I have had a holiday. I have had a lot of fun as a national team player but all good things usually come to an end."
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