Some might call it one stint but this writer will argue
that Stephen Keshi has managed the Super Eagles for two stints; his
contract signing announcement on Monday makes it the 3rd stint.
His 1
st
stint from 2011 and ending after the 2014 world cup. His second stint
came between July 2014 and March 2015 and now signing on the dotted line
in April of 2015 signals his third stint.
Keshi Signs new contract
That
Keshi has matched up to the Success of his predecessors will be an
understatement. Keshi gave Nigeria her first African title in 19 years
and he matched the success of Nigeria at the world cup (reaching the
last 16).
Keshi was seen as proud and out of his depth
tactically. He never had a fruitful relationship with the general public
and the press which has made many to label his stints as boss a
failure. To have a successful 3
rd tenure here are the things Keshi must do
Promote Players From The Youth Teams
Due
to the fact that ages of players from the youth groups cannot be
ascertained it is therefore important for Keshi to quickly promote youth
team players who show promise. The team that won the African Youth
Championship (AYC) in March 2015 should be promoted as soon as possible.
In
a previous article, this writer alleged that use of over-aged players
at junior levels of U-17, 18,19 and 20 levels slows down the progress of
the senior team. Kudos to the flying eagles for winning the African Youth Championship in Senegal but how many of those boys are sure to have a 10 year career with the national team.
During
his previous spells, Keshi was not the manager to promote younger
players. Remember he said Kelechi Iheanacho was too young to be promoted
despite Nigeria lacking strikers full of confidence. Keshi must be as
proactive as Germany coah, Joachim Low who is always keen to test the
next German star.
Give the Team an Identity
Nigeria
does not have a football identity. Spain is famed for its passing game,
Chile came to the world’s knowledge after mastering their high pressing
game, Germany are known for playing an attacking game that stems from
wing-play while Nigeria has…no identity.
Sometimes it seemed
baseless to watch the Eagles who were always all over the place like the
recent friendly matches against South Africa and Uganda had shown.
Keshi must give the team an identity by working to the strength of the
players available to him. He has to decide what formation to play, what
passing range to use, how to transition and to make the team flexible.
Leave out boardroom politics and footballing politics
Problems
that are restricting the growth of the national team are politics in
selecting players at the national set-up, differences at the board-room
level of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, and the to a lesser
extent the political crises that affects the nation which makes some
players refuse to come play for Nigeria. Thank goodness the elections
are over and they were peaceful.
How can these problems be
solved? First the NFF must come to the realization that there is a
problem that is affecting Nigerian football. Then help the local league
produce young players by creating an identity for them and asking each
local league club to compulsorily have a youth set-up but this may be
difficult as the funds are not there. But ask Germany how they revamped
their youth set-up without the largest funds to make it become the best
in the world.
Another way to solve the issues Nigeria is facing
to clear the NFF of all the wahala of leadership. Let Amaju Pinnick show
his face as a leader that can lead. Let him call his friends and
enemies at the glass house and tell them to put differences apart so
ideas can develop for the progress of the national team under Keshi.
Keshi
must also select players with sustained form. He is in the habit of
picking players who show temporary form (no names will be mentioned) but
the big boss has to understand that form is temporary, class is
permanent.
Respect His contract
Unlike
his previous stints were details of his contract were unclear and
controversial, Keshi must let the nation know details of the contract.
In his previous stint Keshi, after the 2014 world cup ended in July,
said he was going to continue working with the team despite raising
alarms that he had not yet been paid for a while.
Keshi must know when his contract says go and when it says you can be given a further year if you meet this target.
Continue to follow the local league
Keshi
followed the local league during his first stint as Super Eagle’s boss,
kudos to him. The Big boss brought Nigerians to the knowledge of huge
talents in the local leagues. One name that springs to mind is AFCON
2013 final hero, Sunday Mba. The former Warri Wolves and Enugu ranger’s
midfielder lit up the 2013 AFCON with his all action display in
midfield. One could argue he won us the title following his goals
against Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals and Burkina Faso in the final.
Keshi
was praised for his decision to follow the local league back then and
he must not stop doing it. Keep giving players in the league a chance to
prove themselves.
Be friendlier to players and reporters
As
a sport journalist this writer can categorically tell you that Keshi
was not the friendliest with reporters who wanted exclusive interviews.
Keshi was funny and bright during a press conference but not during a
personal interview. This could be linked to his alleged proud persona.
But to establish himself as a joy to the people Keshi must be friendlier
because the media can make or mar him.
Keshi must also be nicer
to players. Who would forget his standoff with Ikechukwu Uche and Osaze.
The big boss does not like players standing up to him. Call his the “
African Louis Van Gaal”. Keshi must use the open arm embrace approach of a coach like Carlo Ancelotti but he should draw a line.
Play more competitive friendlies
No
disrespect intended but the Super Eagles should be aiming higher than
Uganda and South Africa to play international matches. The Eagles should
aim to play teams above them on the FIFA rankings not teams below them.
Sure losses will come but there should be a balance. Nigeria cannot
keep on playing mediorce teams and claim it aims to progress. Playing
with tougher teams is important.
But in playing tougher teams,
the NFF should be also remember that a sustained number of losses can
zap confidence from the players and the nation watching them. Keshi
should aim to play teams on both sides of the FIFA rankings. that trick
works. Just ask Greece how they manage to be top European seeds ahead of
the likes of Belgium.
If Keshi can fulfil these tasks then it is
sure that the Big Boss will be considered a success. Nigeria has given
Keshi another chance to lead its national team. Hopefully he would
not disappoint.
