‘Keshi not a Cup of Nations failure’

By Tony Ubani
The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday lashed out at those giving the false impression that Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi has never won a match at the Africa Cup of Nations.

“This impression is not only false and a fallacy, but is uncalled-for on the eve of a crucial match at the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Assistant Director of Media.

Olajire continued: “Keshi is not a Cup of Nations failure. He won the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and has won a match at the Africa Cup of Nations as a Coach. Although his Togo side was winless in Egypt in 2006, Keshi was in charge of the Mali National Team when they defeated Malawi 3-1 at the finals in Angola three years ago.”

The NFF spokesman also pointed out that Mali was eliminated in the group stage in Angola only by the head-to-head rule. “The Eagles of Mali came from four goals down to draw 4-4 with the host nation in the tournament opening match, and then lost 0-1 to Algeria before beating Malawi 3-1.

The same Malawian team had beaten Algeria 3-0. Mali finished on four points as Algeria and had even healthier goals difference than Algeria, but was eliminated on the head-to-head rule.”