TheCable

Shuaibu Amodu, Super Eagles interim manager, has pleaded with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to allow Stephen Keshi handle the team’s two remaining 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The 56-year-old, who was appointed after Keshi was relieved of his job, wants the Big Boss recalled, saying the time frame is too short to tinker with the fabric of the squad or start to build a new one altogether.

“Following wide consultations that I have carefully made within the past two weeks since the appointment, and for the sake of professionalism, I want to specially appeal to you to reconsider the matter and allow Stephen Keshi to finish the project that he has started – the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying race,” Amodu said in a letter addressed to Amaju Pinnick, chairman of NFF, dated October 27, 2014.

“Sir, my opinion also is that the time frame is too short to start tinkering with the fabric of the team or attempt to build a new team altogether.

“As technical director of the NFF, I am ready and willing to help build a better relationship among Keshi (with whom I have enjoyed good working relationship in the past and who is still very close to me), the players and the NFF technical committee.

“I am assuring you, Mr. President,  that I will offer whatever assistance required by Keshi and his crew for the remaining two matches, and also be there to offer advice, suggestions and efforts towards building a stronger Super Eagles team after the qualifying race.”

Nigeria plays Congo in Pointe Noire on November 15 before taking on South Africa in Uyo four days later.  The team need not only win both games but defeat Congo by a margin of two goals, to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2015 AFCON finals.

TheCable reported earlier that President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday directed Pinnick to reinstate Keshi as Eagles coach, saying he did not deserve the October-16 sack.