Enyeama has come under criticism at home, taking the blame for handing Liberia a goal in last weekend’s 2-2 draw, but Keshi is having none of that.
“There was nothing like that and if there is anybody to be blamed, it’s the team, not an individual,” Keshi declared. “I never at any moment said that Enyeama, who remains our first-choice keeper, caused us the draw in Liberia and, in fact, I think that he is one of the best in the world.
“At times like these passion rules over reason, but we must not bring individual players into our poor performance, it’s a collective failure to win.”
Speaking from Abuja, where he is at the moment, Keshi declared that the issue regarding national team performance cannot and must not be placed at the doorstep of a single individual like Enyeama, even as he assured that he will produce a new national team hat Nigerians at all levels will be proud of.
“We will score goals aplenty, but I understand the apprehension of Nigerians, and what I have always asked for is patience, I need lots of it to succeed.”
He also assured that he was at the point of releasing the team list that will help Nigerian fight well against Liberia in Calabar early enough so that those players, who might not be ready for the October 13 duel, will let him know on time, insisting that there will be no compromise about arrival in camp.
“The list of invited players will be made public early enough and we assure that we will not only win but win well and plead with Nigerians including enemies of the team for support.”
Your comments on this story...
If he dosen't know then let me inform him that what the nation demands from him and which they deserve is a team that can challenge the best in the world and come out with a spectacular, heartwarming result not one which cannot even beat Liberia nor Honduras....Keshi should please get out now if his ideas for the Eagles have run dry....Simple !
1) The Liberians are feeling well motivated after a great performance against Nigeria
2) The Ghanians rested their best legs and used a 2nd tier team.
I Can bet two things, Enyama would be jittery if he keeps in the next match or Agbim would make a blunder while tryn to over impress.
However i stand to be corrected, Amokachi should better concentrate with his supersports programme or go into fashion business. Coaching today is too technical to be left with one that may not be very intelligent.Ike shorunmi could go to the the under13 national team to teach basic rudiment of goalkeeping.
Keshi pls make the central defence and the goalkeeping more competitive, don't be scared of your players. I suggest you go for Nedum Onuoha, and try more tall goal keepers. Enyeama has always had problems with crosses and timing. He is always overzealous. I think a goal keeper should be calm.