On Monday, the Nigerian Football Federation approved the recommendations of its Technical Committee to appoint Finidi as coach, ahead of over 60 other local and foreign applicants.

Some of the other coaches who applied are US U-19 coach Michael Nsien, Spain-based former Katsina United coach Henry Makinwa, Sylvanus Okpala and Daniel Amokachi. Former Cameroon coach Antonio Conceicao and Dutchman Danny Bujis also reportedly applied for the job.

A member of the NFF Technical Committee, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said some stakeholders had tried to influence their decision in favour of their candidate.

He said Technical Committee members, however, resolved to stick to their guns and pick the best candidate for the position no matter whose ox was gored.

“Some of these people think they are the masters of the game, but they don’t know that some of us have been in this game for some time too. Do you know they set up a WhatsApp platform to decide and influence who will become the coach of the Super Eagles. But we snubbed them. It could have been the other way round and we would still move on and support whoever the NFF picked.

“We know that some candidates who were not picked for the job would complain, that’s life for you. The important thing now is to support those who are there and see how we can qualify for the World Cup. Now we have a manager; he’s going to coach the team, he has the desire to coach, and he’ll definitely sit down with the federation officials to sort out his contract.”

On how they arrived at Finidi as the best choice for Eagles, our source said that with just weeks until the crucial World Cup qualifiers against rivals South Africa, they needed someone who had in-depth knowledge of the squad, and not a new coach who would come with a new philosophy alien to the players.

He added that Finidi, having served for 20 months under Peseiro, emerged the right man for the job, while his knowledge of domestic and continental football as current NPFL champions Enyimba also gave him the nod.

Our source added, “Finidi, with due respect to him, has been on ground, and he’s in tune with the dynamics of the modern game, and that for us is a big plus. He’s working with Enyimba, won a league title for them, has coached on the continent and he’s been busy coaching in recent years.

“At the national team level, he’s been with the Eagles as assistant and we know we have some tricky World Cup qualifiers ahead. A new coach might come in with tactics that the players will struggle to adapt to. We don’t need that now.

“Also, as a coach who understands the domestic league very well, his experience in this regard will come in handy when selecting players for the home-based players.”

The Technical Committee member added that monetary considerations also played a role in Finidi’s choice for the job. “Who will pay a foreign coach $70,000 in today’s Nigeria? The money is just not there,” our source added.

Meanwhile, some of the applicants have spoken about the process that led to the appointment of the new coach.

Even though Emmanuel Amuneke described the process as “fair,” he admitted that there was no interview to select the best candidate for the job.

“There was no interview (for the job), nor was there any talk about the job with the federation. There was no contact from the federation, nor was there an offer to take the job. They have chosen a new coach, who is one of us, we just need to move on and support him,” Amuneke said.

When asked if he thought the process of selecting the candidate for the coaching role was transparent, US U-19 coach Michael Nsien, who also applied for the job, said, “It depends on people’s standards of process. There weren’t interviews, which I think is basic; it would give the appearance (that it was transparent) at least.”

Nsien, a former U-23 national team star, is positive Finidi will get competent backroom staff to work with. “Hopefully he is surrounded with good staff,” he said.

Another applicant, Sylvanus Okpala, who won the AFCON title in 1980 as a player and as an assistant coach in 2013, declined comments on the process that saw Finidi emerge as the winner but congratulated the former Ajax star.

He said, “The important thing is that Finidi has been selected and he is there now. All he needs is the support of everyone to excel, but the biggest support he can get is the one he gives to himself to be successful and take the Eagles to where they belong.

“I feel okay with Finidi’s appointment as the new Super Eagles coach because all of us cannot be there and obviously only one person will be appointed among us. I congratulate him and I wish him the best, hoping that he will take the Eagles to the next level.”

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Rohr’s wife is from the Indian Ocean Island.

A goal from Lalaina Nomenjanahary and a deflected free-kick from Carolus Andriamahitsinoro saw debutants Madagascar finish as Group B winners and Rohr admits his side were poor and complacent.

The defeat was the Eagles’ first at the tournament in Egypt and their 20th in 89 AFCON games.

“We lost to a good team because Madagascar was the first to qualify for the tournament and there is no shame in losing to such a team,” Rohr said in his pre-match conference.

“Madagascar was the better team today (Sunday). We started with giving them (Madagascar) a gift and after, we could not find a solution.

“We made five changes because we wanted to give rest to some players and also preserve those with cards. Sometimes it happens when you are already qualified; the players are relaxed and playing easy.

“I wanted to see other players which was why I made five changes and that was perhaps why we were dominated by Madagascar. We have to work hard for the next match because that is more important.

“It’s normal to change the team when one has already qualified. I wanted to rest the team and give others the opportunity to play.

“We misplaced simple passes and were poor perhaps because subconsciously we already were thinking about the next round. We have to do better in our next game.

He believes the Barea stands a good chance of winning the AFCON but adds that he will rather focus more on his team who may face Ghana in the round of 16.

“They (Madagascar) can do it but I have to focus on my team so that we can do better.

“I’m still confident that we can win the tournament because we have our injured players back. Ighalo and Musa completed 90 minutes which should help our rhythm in attack. Also our left-back Collins is back so we have a fit again squad.”

The German also explained why the duo Victor Osimhen and Henry Onyekuru are yet to feature at the tournament.

“We had to see other players. We wanted to see the Ikechukwu Ezenwa, John Ogu and also Kalu after his health scare. We cannot change 11 players and the team is also decided by the attitude of players in training which shows who is ready or not.

On his team’s chances in the round of 16, Rohr said,”We can play a good team regardless of where we finish. We will analyse our future opponents when we know them.

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The promise was made during the late Gen. Sani Abacha administration following Super Eagles’ victory in the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, during a courtesy call on him by Bonfrere, said redeeming the pledge was a sign of government’s commitment to integrity.

“This is consistent with the commitment President Muhammadu Buhari has made to make Nigerians proud of the country and to stand by and respond to needs of the citizens.

“But the matter did not go back 24 years. Rather it actually goes back 38 years. The Green Eagles, like Emmanuel Okala, Martins Eyo, Tunde Bamidele, among others, became the Super Eagles after winning the first Nations Cup Nigeria won.

“They were promised houses, but in their own cases they actually received the allocations and they did not have any document.

“So, it was not until April 2017, 38 years after the promise, that they finally got letters of allocation in this administration, which simply shows that the Federal Government is committed to solving problems, no matter how old.

“Change means that the government is solving very difficult and old problems, no matter how long the problems are, be it human, social, habitation needs, including infrastructure.’’

The minister also emphasised that the second housing programme which was currently being constructed in 34 states in Nigeria was also embarked upon under the present administration.

“That again is a sign that even National Housing has seen change,’’ he said.

Handing over the keys to the three-bedroom apartment, Fashola expressed satisfaction over the pledge’s fulfillment and thanked the former coach for his contribution to national development.

He noted that in Bonfrere’s case, he did not get any allocation or the letter, even though he has finally received the house.

According to the minister, beyond housing, the government was also tackling very difficult and old problems.

“I am happy to say that the Bonny Bridge in Rivers, which has been in concession for 32 years after two previous contractors have failed, is now under construction.’’

In his response, Bonfrere expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government for redeeming the pledge made 24 years ago as a reward package.

He noted that the gesture demonstrated the premium the government placed on integrity of commitments, particularly in relation to honour as a result of outstanding accomplishment by sports teams.

“This gesture will encourage our sportsmen and women to aspire extraordinarily for accomplishments, knowing their accomplishment will not be unrecognised.’’

Bonfrere however expressed his best wishes for the Super Eagles who are set to participate in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

“As a coach that was directly involved in the 1994 African Cup of Nations and 1996 Olympics football gold medal victories, I crave for an impressive performance by our Super Eagles in Russia.’’

The former coach called for continued support for Federal Government’s sports programmes and policies, adding that the role of sports as a unifying tool could not be underestimated.

The three-bedroom unit, located at Prototype Housing Estate, Phase II in Gwagwalada, was a fulfillment of the pledge made in 1994 for winning the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) released the provisional list on Monday.

Apart from the usual suspects, Junior Lokosa, Kano Pillars and Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) highest goal scorer, was included in the list.

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Dele Ajiboye, Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Defenders: William Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem, Kenneth Omeruo, Shehu Abdullahi, Tyrone Ebuhehi, Elderson Echiejile, Ola Aina, Brian Idowu, Stephen Eze.

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi, Joel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Etebo Oghenekaro, Uché Agbo, John Ogu, Onyiye Ndidi, Mikel Agu.

Forwards: Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Ihenacho, Ahmed Musa, Junior Lokosa, Moses Daddy Simon, Simeon Nwankwo.

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Mrs Keshi, who died in December 2015 of cancer in America, was survived by her husband and five children.

Frank Ilaboya, Chairman, Edo Football Association, made the remark on Friday in Benin at the burial of the late Mrs Keshi.

Ilaboya, who represented the NFF at the occasion, prayed God to grant Stephen Keshi and the family the strength to bear the loss.

“We pray God to strengthen coach Keshi to move on with his career,” he said.

In his tribute, former Super Eagles Head Coach, Shuaibu Amodu, described the deceased as `a sister, friend and mother.’

He said that the late Kate always called to encourage him and Stephen when they had challenges during their days in the national team.

Stephen Keshi described his late wife as `a unique person every man would love to have.’

He thanked Nigerians for the love, sympathy and prayers for the family when his wife passed on.

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The 40-year-old was the overwhelming favourite to be handed the role after Stephen Keshi, popularly called the ‘Big Boss,’ was sacked by the NFF two weeks ago.

Oliseh, on Wednesday in Abuja finally signed a contract with the NFF which ties him to the Super Eagles until 2020, becoming the fifth player in the 1994 class to handle the senior national team after Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi and Keshi.

“It’s a great honour to be coach of this great national team,” said Oliseh at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja.

“I’m not coming as a messiah. I’m coming as a man who wants to serve his country and give 150 percent.

“Gone are the days when we had individual players who can win games on their own. But we have potential,” he said.

He also laid down the law to players of Nigerian origin on his requirements before they can feature for his team.

“No player outside of first division in Nigeria or elsewhere will play for the Super Eagles. We will work together with the technical committee because if we fail, they fail,” he concluded.

The ex-Nigeria international will now hope to inspire an immediate improvement in the Eagles’ fortunes, starting with a win against Tanzania in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September.

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Oliseh is due to fly into Abuja on Tuesday evening and hours later meet with the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF technical committee headed by Felix Anyansi-Agwu.

“Oliseh is ready to earn the same pay Keshi was on. This again shows he is ready to serve his fatherland and money is not what is driving him.

This is another good sign with the decision to give him the job without much fanfare,” a top official said.

The NFF have confirmed Oliseh, 40, will replace Keshi and he will be handed a five-year contract.

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The former Nigeria captain, who is in his third spell with the national team, was first named coach of the Eagles in 2011 but his contract with the team ended after their second round elimination from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He managed the team on an interim basis during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as the Eagles failed to qualify and defend their title in Equatorial Guinea.

Keshi was given the boot by the Nigeria Football Federation during the AFCON qualifiers but was reportedly reinstated on the orders of the Presidency.

His assistant, Daniel Amokachi, took charge of the squad in the last four friendly matches played by the team. Keshi was handed a contract renewal — that insisted he must monitor players in the local league — in February but he described it as a “slave contract”, which sparked another row between him and the federation.

The latest row between the coach and his employers occurred when Keshi granted an Abuja radio station an interview, saying NFF boss Pinnick Amaju lied when he said the football body had paid the Eagles’ coaching crew all their salaries and allowances.

However, Keshi has now demanded a fresh start as he begins a third sojourn in charge of the national team.

“This is the time for us to come together to fight for this nation. I am begging you all to please put the past behind and let’s start afresh,” he said.

NFF technical committee chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu said Keshi’s return as coach is ‘a new beginning’.

“The entire NFF board has absolute confidence in the capacity of Stephen Keshi to take the Super Eagles to new heights. We plead with Nigerians to see this as a new beginning and support Keshi.”

Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, expressed delight at the return of Keshi, describing the coach as a ‘friend.’

“I am happy he (Keshi) is back. He is more of a friend and big brother to me than a coach,” the Lille goalkeeper, who played his 100th Nigerian game recently, said.

But ardent followers of Nigerian football are watching to see how both parties work together peacefully in the next two years.

Former Eagles defender, Taribo West, said the federation should give Keshi the necessary support to succeed.

The former Inter Milan centre-back said, “I pray they will let him (Keshi) work this time around because the last time there was so much problems between both parties. There was a lot of complicity in his relationship with the NFF especially with Amaju. I pray this time they work together and make our football sweet again.

“Keshi can move Nigerian football forward. He’s done it before by winning the AFCON in 2013. They should encourage him to do better because we want to see the national team where it used to be. This time, I am expecting a lot from the NFF, the coach and the team.”

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Equatorial Guinea have opted not to renew coach Goikoetxea’s contract, which expired on 31 December.

The country’s football association (FEGUIFUT) claims Goikoetxea breached his contract by not travelling to Portugal with the team on 16 December.

As a result Goikoetxea was sacked, a decision sanctioned by new FEGUIFUT president Andres Jorge Mbomio. Following the sack of the former handler, the 2013 Afcon-winning Keshi was widely speculated as his possible replacement. With the latest development from that country, Keshi whose place in Nigeria is still shrouded in uncertainty remains in limbo.

Equatorial Guinea have just over two weeks with the team before they kick off the Nations Cup against Congo on 17 January.

Argentine Becker, 50, was previously in charge of Equatorial Guinea’s women’s team, who he led to the 2012 Nations Cup title.

As well as facing Congo, Becker would lead his new team out against Burkina Faso and Gabon in Group A.

Equatorial Guinea stepped in as last-minute replacements for original hosts Morocco, who failed in their plea to the Confederation of African Football to postpone the tournament because of fears over the potential spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

As a result Equatorial Guinea were handed Morocco’s place at the finals, despite having been eliminated during qualifying after they were penalised for fielding an ineligible player.

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Onigbinde spoke with a Nigerian online news portal SuperSport.com.

Of late the calls have been deafening mostly from former Nigerian managers for the erstwhile Mali and Togo coach to leave the Eagles job after he failed to qualify the country for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in a dismal fashion.

The latest calls for Keshi to quite have come from Christian Chukwu, Shaibu Amodu, and Kashimawo Laloko, among others.

Onigbinde said he would not like to be seen repeating himself on Keshi and Eagles’ job as he has specifically asked him then to politely thank the president for considering him worthy for recall and bow out honourably.

“On the very day the Presidency asked him to return to his job I personally sent him a text message to politely thank Mr President for the offer and bow out honourably and quietly, too.

“Keshi respectfully replied the text message thanking me and that was it as he went ahead with the two remaining 2015 AFCON qualifying matches against Congo and South Africa, I’m sure the rest is history.

“I volunteered the advice to Keshi because I understand that he won’t work with the Presidency but a different set of people as well as an entirely different environment.

“Now that others have picked up the calls I have the privilege to have said over two months ago I won’t like to engage in an exercise that will appear repetitious so that I won’t be accused of having interest in the whole matter.

“I’m not used to pressurising people to act in certain way, I’ve passed my view directly to him, I don’t need to pressurise him further on same thing.”

Onigbinde insisted that administration is the bane of the nation’s football development while he condemned the football house for half-heartedly implementation of his suggestions on match analysis.

“The major problem of football in the land is administration, I’ve written several papers on the need for a virile technical department which is key to football development.

“In other lands it’s called technical and development department because without development then everybody could as well go to sleep. I suggested that some people be trained as match analysts but the persons I saw on the list the NFF wants to train made me to laugh.

“The major mistakes we keep repeating are to assume that ex-footballers are automatic administrators, it’s quite wrong. Jose Mourinho and Arrigo Sacchi weren’t star players but you can’t rival their administrative and technical finesse.

“Being a star player doesn’t make you sound administrator or technical expert, it’s clearly a special calling,” Onigbinde said.

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