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Keshi: If Nigeria doesn't want me then I will pack my bags and leave
08 Feb 2013 3:18:00 PM
Coach Stephen Keshi told Goal.com that he would love to continue at the helm of Nigeria's national team after the Afcon
Keshi came in for much criticism about his significantly local 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 Afcon final on Sunday.“It is my home country, and it feels great to seeing Nigeria advance to the final after such a long time. 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,” said Keshi.
The veteran coach who also won the Afcon cup with the 1994 team, said he is not stressed about what people think about him, but 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,” he said.
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