Keshi is unprotected – Coaches’ Association

Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman, Nigeria Football Coaches’ Association (NFCA), FCT Chapter, on Monday said that the former Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, was not protected under the association. Bamigboye told newsmen in Abuja that every professional belonged to an association, to ensure the protection of its members when necessary. According to him, Keshi was not committed to NFCA, which would have fought on his behalf.

“ The job security of a coach will be guaranteed if we have an association that is vibrant; we can stand up and kick against the sacking of Keshi. “ But Keshi has not been committed to NFCA because if you do not belong to an organisation that will protect you, then, you will have to carry your cross yourself. “ Every journalist belongs to the Nigerian Union of Journalists; every medical doctor belongs to Nigerian Medical Association, while every engineer belongs to the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

“ But a lot of Nigerian coaches have not truly identified with the body that should stand up for their right,’’ the coach said. Bamigboye said, however, that the action of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was a distraction to the team. “ I do not think the sacking of the coach is the best for the Super Eagles; it is another distraction. “ Because they are preparing for the qualification for the 2017 Africa Nations Cup and you are sacking the coach along the line.

“ I really do not think it is proper at this time, that is my opinion as an individual,’’ he said. He, however, said that the country had qualified coaches that could replace Keshi. “ I want to say clearly here that there are a lot of Nigerian coaches to occupy that position of the chief coach of the Super Eagles, no matter the arrangement. “ It has always been difficult for Nigerian coaches to be at the helm of affairs without problems.

“At the same time, Nigerian coaches really need to come together and know who they are in the football circle. “ I want to say clearly that the Nigerian coaches have not realised the role they play in Nigerian football, that is why we still have problems,’’ Bamigoye said.  Stephen Keshi was relieved of his appointment on July 4, 2015.

Reference: Vanguard