Port Harcourt – Prof. Godwin Onu, the Rector, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra, on Monday urged the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to renew Stephen Keshi’s contract as Super Eagles’ coach.

Onu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that Keshi’s contract should be renewed because of his contribution to the development of the nation’s football in recent times.

The rector said that the interest other countries were showing in Keshi was a testimony that the Super Eagles coach had the capacity to impact positively on the national team.

“As an ordinary Nigerian, one would have expected that his contract would be renewed and he would continue from where he stopped, having also achieved a landmark during the last FIFA World Cup.

“At least, he took Nigeria beyond what has been the tradition. Every Nigerian was made proud and we are happy about that. We expected that his contract should continue.

“It will be cost-effective to retain him; let him continue from where he stopped.“

Onu said that the need to renew Keshi’s deal became necessary owing to the fact that the Super Eagles would in December begin the defence of the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, which they won two years ago in South Africa.

“Football has gone beyond just playing football and has become a factor in international politics.

“NFA should redouble its efforts, put politics aside and put the interest of the nation first.

“It should sort out whatever problem exists so that Nigeria will not be caught napping due to inadequate preparations because football on the African continent is something that should be taken seriously.

“Internal politics should not disrupt the achievements we expect to make in that field; they should resolve their problems and give Keshi the go-ahead,“ Onu said. (NAN)