By Eddie Akalonu

Former coach of the Beach Eagles, Kelechi Emeteole has expressed displeasure on the recent downsizing of Super Eagles coaching crew by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, especially now the World Cup qualifying match against Kenya in Nairobi as well as the FIFA Confederation Cup in Brazil are fast approaching.

He described the move as a complete distraction to the nation’s goals and objectives.

“I don’t see it as being done in good faith because we have very important matches on our hands. The action was ill-timed and not taken in the best interest of football,” said the former coach of Heartland Football Club of Owerri.

The action followed a said staff audit of the technical crew and backroom staff which commentators and stake-holders quickly interpreted as leaving Keshi completely bare and ostensibly designed to see him fail on all fronts.

The notable name affected was assistant coach, Sylvanus Okpala but Emeteole said “ Yes, the federation has power to take decisions deemed fit for football. However, it shouldn’t be when the federation and team must concentrate fully, showing signs that football is making progress.

The action leaves room for speculation over Keshi’s fate. We all know there are matches on our hands and it doesn’t help preparations for these matches and our set target which is to pick a World Cup ticket in addition to having a good Confederations Cup outing.”