KESHI: NOBODY CAN IMPOSE PLAYERS ON ME

KESHI: NOBODY CAN IMPOSE PLAYERS ON ME

Posted: Jul 01, 2013

Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi, has vowed to resist any attempt  by any group of people or individuals to force any player on him as he continues with the rebuilding process of the team.

The former Togo and Mali national team manager made this known while reacting to the call for the recall of some experienced players from a section of the fans,sports enthusiasts and his employers,the NFF whose president reportedly said Keshi will not have sole responsibility over team selections henceforth.

Keshi also rejected the insinuation that he should discard with his rebuilding programme in the wake of the Eagles first round ouster at the FIFA Confederations Cup which ended in the early hours of this morning in Brazil.

 "My Eagles are not yet a finished product, so there is no way I can stop the rebuilding process now. The plan is a long term one that will ensure that Nigeria remains a dominant force for a long period in future ,” he posited.

Speaking on how he intends to approach the task of building a strong team that will satisfy the yearnings of majority of Nigerians, the former national team skipper says he will continue to try out various formations until he gets the winning formular.

"I will continue to try out various options available until I get the right mix. But what I won't do is to allow anybody impose players on me. To play for the Eagles, you must show commitment and willingness to learn and improve.

"I cannot be recycling the same set of players who have been in the national team for upward of eight years. We have to inject life into the squad by introducing young players who would grow to take over from the ageing ones or those not in form. Everybody must fight to be a squad member whether old or young.

"I did not discard with the team I met on ground when I was appointed as the Eagles head coach; all I have done is to improve on the squad with the injection of fresh talents to compliment the ‘tired legs’ in the team. Of course, such process will see some players making way for others to come in'',he said. ------------------------ complete sports