Keshi Rejects Garba Lawal As Eagles' Coordinator

Less than two weeks after Stephen Keshi was restored as the head coach of the Super Eagles, latest reports indicate that the former Eagles’ captain and the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, may have clashed once again.

According to Guardian newspaper report, the latest clash between Keshi and the NFF is as a result of some appointments made by the new board of the football house while Keshi was relieved of his duty.
It was gathered that among the changes made while Keshi was sacked included the appointment of ex-international, Garba Lawal, as the Super Eagles’ team co-ordinator.

Emmanuel Attah was the co-ordinator of the Eagles before the Amaju Pinnick led NFF board appointed Lawal.

Former Super Eagles player, Garba Lawal.

Investigation revealed that Keshi, who has overturned all appointments made by the NFF, has also asked that Lawal be replaced.

It  would be recalled that it was President Goodluck Jonathan that restored Keshi to his duty post as Super Eagles coach in preparation for the make or break qualifiers against Congo and South Africa.

Critics are of the opinion that Keshi’s refusal to work with his subordinates appointed by the NFF clearly shows that he is now more powerful than the NFF, his supposed employers.

A coach has the right to appoint his technical assistants, but the appointment of other backroom staff like team coordinator, media officer is the duty of the NFF, one of Keshi critics said.
However, it was no secret that Lawal was one of Keshi’s biggest critics following Eagles’ poor start to the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers.

A source in the Eagle’s camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, informed that Keshi was not ready to work with Lawal as the team co-ordinator.

“Keshi is not the type to hold a grudge but I can tell you he wants Garba Lawal out,” a report by SL10.ng said.

“He is not asking for Emmanuel Attah (former team co-ordinator) to be re-appointed, but just anybody, not Garba Lawal, who devoted all of his time working against Keshi.”
Lawal was credited as saying he doesn’t care about Keshi returning as coach and said he has no regret leading calls for his sack earlier.

Speaking on the matter, NFF President, Amanju Pinnick, told Guardian on Tuesday that he was not aware of any cold war between Keshi and Lawal in Eagles’ camp.

Pinnick said: “I don’t know where such report is coming from. I am not aware of any problem between Keshi and Lawal. I have a meeting with Keshi in the next 30 minutes.”