Former Super Eagles player, Chike Arisa on Sunday, November 2, 2014 reacted to the recall of his former team mate and super eagles coach Stephen Keshi from his base in Holland.
According to Arisa, the fact that Chris Giwa had agreed to sheath his sword for the good of the game is awelcome development, but he was not comfortable with the fact that Stephen Keshi agreed to come back after being relieved of his job by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
“It’s scandalous. It’s a shame that he even agreed to come back”.
“Keshi remains a hero in Nigerian football. But he should know when to remain a hero before he falls to zero. With our performances at the World Cup and the catalogue of poor results thereafter especially in the AFCON qualifiers, I think Keshi should have read the handwriting on the wall. Nigerians will lynch him if he fails”, he stated.
Speaking further, Arisa, is of the view that Keshi’s return could spell disaster for Nigerian football.
“In all honesty, I don’t see Nigeria doing well under him. He desperately needs help to impart something in the players. His technical bench is empty. What value can Amokachi add to him? Nothing. I see that Ike Uche one of the best forwards of Nigeria he left out for reasons only he knows has been recalled. That is where the problem starts. Ike Uche might not sparkle under him. The Keshi I know hardly forgives. He will not want people to laugh last if Ike comes back to do well. He has lost that commanding role and the players are not comfortable with him, again”, Arisa said to Vanguard.
According to Arisa, he would prefer a foreigner who would not be biased and with interest on youths from our clubs to step in to save Nigerian football.
“Imagine inviting players from China? Our local players are better than them. If we want to stop incessant frictions over bonus and all, we need a foreigner. Indigenous coaches are sentimental with their selections”, he stated.
Speaking further, Arisa advised President Jonathan to pay attention to the problems in the country and allow those elected to run football in the country to run the game.
“How will Keshi relate with Pinnick since he knew that his help comes from the Presidency? The President has sown a seed of discord in our football without knowing it”.
Arisa asked before ending the call with the newsmen; “what happened to the many offers I read that were on the table for Keshi?
