By Andrew Warshaw
February 12 – The price of success appears to be resignation for Nigeria’s successful African Nations Cup coach Stephen Keshi (pictured).
Keshi has informed a South African radio station that he is stepping down following Sunday’s 1-0 win over Burkino Faso that ended Nigeria’s long quest for a fourth title in Africa’s most prestigious regional tournament.
“I gave the national football federation my letter of resignation immediately after the final, but I have not heard from them,” Keshi was quoted as saying by SABC.
African football is notorious for in-fighting and Keshi dropped hints of his dissatisfaction with Nigerian officials even before the semi-final drubbing of Mali, saying he would “pack his bags and leave” if he was unwanted.
“If, back home, they do not like what I am doing, well, you cannot force someone to like you,” he said at the time.
Keshi, in his playing days a distinguished defender who captained Nigeria to victory over Zambia in the 1994 final, could end up returning to Mali, a country he coached at the 2010 Cup of Nations in Angola, only to lose his job after a first-round elimination.
“It is a place that I love. Malians are wonderful people. Should the chance arise, I will go back there,” said the 51-year-old, who has also had two spells with Togo.
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