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Keshi: If Nigeria don't want me, I will pack my bags & leave
09/02/2013 1:50:00 AM
The Super Eagles coach has told Goal.com that his future as head coach remains unclear and he could be on his way out even if his side win the Africa Cup of Nations
EXCLUSIVEBy Lunga Ntuli
Stephen Keshi has revealed to Goal.com that he is happy to pack his bags and quit if he is not wanted by Nigeria, despite having led the side to the Africa Cup of Nations final.
The Super Eagles coach came in for a lot of criticism about his locally-based selection policy and slow start in South Africa, but his decisions will be hailed as a master stroke if Nigeria beat Burkina Faso in the final on Sunday.
"It is my home country, and it feels great to seeing Nigeria advance to the final after such a long time," Keshi told Goal.com.
"I would love to continue with the job, but again, if it doesn’t happen, I don’t really care. I am a professional coach and I will pack my bags and leave."
The veteran coach, who also won the Afcon cup in 1994 with Nigeria, said he is not stressed about what people think about him, but that he will make sure that he plays the players that he feels are mentally fit and hungry to perform.
"In my side there are no stars. I opted to go with players who are going to respect me, listen to me and who are mentally fit, because that is what wins matches, not big names," he said.
Keshi said he would love to continue with the job after the Afcon, but that will depend on who is in charge of football in Nigeria.
"I don’t owe anyone any explanation, and I am not here to please anyone. If people like me then that's good but if they don’t, I don’t care. I am here to offer my services because I care about my country," said Keshi.
"When you have players that get along with each other and know that no one is a star then you are on the right track.
"Yes, there is still a lot of work to be done but I am proud of the progress that we have made so far."
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