What Keshi Must Do To Avoid A Disastrous Return As Super Eagles Boss

Some might call it one stint but this writer will argue that Stephen Keshi has managed the Super Eagles for two stints; his contract signing announcement on Monday makes it the 3^rd stint.

His 1^st stint from 2011 and ending after the 2014 world cup. His second stint came between July 2014 and March 2015 and now signing on the dotted line in April of 2015 signals his third stint.

Keshi Signs new contract

That Keshi has matched up to the Success of his predecessors will be an understatement. Keshi gave Nigeria her first African title in 19 years and he matched the success of Nigeria at the world cup (reaching the last 16).

Keshi was seen as proud and out of his depth tactically. He never had a fruitful relationship with the general public and the press which has made many to label his stints as boss a failure. To have a successful 3^rd tenure here are the things Keshi must do

Promote Players From The Youth Teams

Due to the fact that ages of players from the youth groups cannot be ascertained it is therefore important for Keshi to quickly promote youth team players who show promise. The team that won the African Youth Championship (AYC) in March 2015 should be promoted as soon as possible.

In a previous article, this writer alleged that use of over-aged players at junior levels of U-17, 18,19 and 20 levels slows down the progress of the senior team. Kudos to the flying eagles for winning the African Youth Championship in Senegal but how many of those boys are sure to have a 10 year career with the national team.

During his previous spells, Keshi was not the manager to promote younger players. Remember he said Kelechi Iheanacho was too young to be promoted despite Nigeria lacking strikers full of confidence. Keshi must be as proactive as Germany coah, Joachim Low who is always keen to test the next German star.

READ ALSO: U-20 Flying Eagles Make Nigerians Proud Again

Give the Team an Identity

Nigeria does not have a football identity. Spain is famed for its passing game, Chile came to the world’s knowledge after mastering their high pressing game, Germany are known for playing an attacking game that stems from wing-play while Nigeria has…no identity.

Sometimes it seemed baseless to watch the Eagles who were always all over the place like the recent friendly matches against South Africa and Uganda had shown. Keshi must give the team an identity by working to the strength of the players available to him. He has to decide what formation to play, what passing range to use, how to transition and to make the team flexible.

Leave out boardroom politics and footballing politics

Problems that are restricting the growth of the national team are politics in selecting players at the national set-up, differences at the board-room level of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF,  and the to a lesser extent the political crises that affects the nation which makes some players refuse to come play for Nigeria. Thank goodness the elections are over and they were peaceful.

How can these problems be solved? First the NFF must come to the realization that there is a problem that is affecting Nigerian football. Then help the local league produce young players by creating an identity for them and asking each local league club to compulsorily have a youth set-up but this may be difficult as the funds are not there. But ask Germany how they revamped their youth set-up without the largest funds to make it become the best in the world.

Another way to solve the issues Nigeria is facing to clear the NFF of all the wahala of leadership. Let Amaju Pinnick show his face as a leader that can lead. Let him call his friends and enemies at the glass house and tell them to put differences apart so ideas can develop for the progress of the national team under Keshi.

Keshi must also select players with sustained form. He is in the habit of picking players who show temporary form (no names will be mentioned) but the big boss has to understand that form is temporary, class is permanent.

Respect His contract

Unlike his previous stints were details of his contract were unclear and controversial, Keshi must let the nation know details of the contract. In his previous stint Keshi, after the 2014 world cup ended in July, said he was going to continue working with the team despite raising alarms that he had not yet been paid for a while.

Keshi must know when his contract says go and when it says you can be given a further year if you meet this target.

READ ALSO: NFF Are Liars, They Owe Me Two Months Salary And I Never Wanted Super Eagles Job – Keshi

Continue to follow the local league

Keshi followed the local league during his first stint as Super Eagle’s boss, kudos to him. The Big boss brought Nigerians to the knowledge of huge talents in the local leagues. One name that springs to mind is AFCON 2013 final hero, Sunday Mba. The former Warri Wolves and Enugu ranger’s midfielder lit up the 2013 AFCON with his all action display in midfield. One could argue he won us the title following his goals against Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals and Burkina Faso in the final.

Keshi was praised for his decision to follow the local league back then and he must not stop doing it. Keep giving players in the league a chance to prove themselves.

Be friendlier to players and reporters

As a sport journalist this writer can categorically tell you that Keshi was not the friendliest with reporters who wanted exclusive interviews. Keshi was funny and bright during a press conference but not during a personal interview. This could be linked to his alleged proud persona. But to establish himself as a joy to the people Keshi must be friendlier because the media can make or mar him.

Keshi must also be nicer to players. Who would forget his standoff with Ikechukwu Uche and Osaze. The big boss does not like players standing up to him. Call his the “African Louis Van Gaal”. Keshi must use the open arm embrace approach of a coach like Carlo Ancelotti but he should draw a line.

Play more competitive friendlies

No disrespect intended but the Super Eagles should be aiming higher than Uganda and South Africa to play international matches. The Eagles should aim to play teams above them on the FIFA rankings not teams below them. Sure losses will come but there should be a balance. Nigeria cannot keep on playing mediorce teams and claim it aims to progress. Playing with tougher teams is important.

But in playing tougher teams, the NFF should be also remember that a sustained number of losses can zap confidence from the players and the nation watching them. Keshi should aim to play teams on both sides of the FIFA rankings. that trick works. Just ask Greece how they manage to be top European seeds ahead of the likes of Belgium.

If Keshi can fulfil these tasks then it is sure that the Big Boss will be considered a success. Nigeria has given Keshi another chance to lead its national team. Hopefully he would not disappoint.

 

The post What Keshi Must Do To Avoid A Disastrous Return As Super Eagles Boss appeared first on NEWS.NAIJ.COM - Nigerian & worldwide news..

loading...