Babangida urges NFF not to distract Keshi

A former Nigeria international, Tijani Babangida, on Thursday urged the Nigeria Football Federation and well meaning individuals to support Stephen Keshi and the Super Eagles ahead of the World Cup.

Babangida said in Abuja that by so doing, the team would be spurred to improve on what other African countries had done at the World Cup.

“We must avoid any pitfall. I read about the query they gave him (Keshi) in the newspapers. All that is unnecessary at this stage, such distractions, shouldn’t even be made public. It is not good at all. Keshi is someone I’ve known for a long time and I have no doubt that he will do the nation proud if the NFA can give him all the necessary support he needs. I have a good feeling Nigeria will do well at the World Cup,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria.

The former winger endorsed the country’s quest for a credible performance at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, adding that he was optimistic that Keshi was the right man for the job.

On players’ selection, Babangida, who played professionally with Ajax FC of Amsterdam, advised that Keshi should be allowed to pick the players of his choice against the backdrop of undue pressure on him.

“I will advise that we all allow Keshi to select whom he wants. If he feels he needs the experience of Osaze Odemwingie, or the sharpness of Ikechukwu Uche, that’s fine. If not, so be it.

“Win or lose, the buck stops at his table. Nigerians are very difficult to please. We are going to the World Cup as the current African champions. Surely that must count for something.

“I think we need to respect Keshi more and allow him do what he feels will be good for Nigeria,” he said.

Babangida, who was also part of the 1998 World Cup squad in France, said the Eagles should be wary of Iran, who might turn out to be the spoilers in the group.

“A lot of people are looking at Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina, while forgetting Iran as a potential threat. Argentina are familiar foes. Bosnia-Herzegovina we know a bit, but Iran being an unknown quantity can spring a surprise or two. It shouldn’t be against us.

“I think we need to be at our best in all games. No team will be a pushover. Our first game against Iran should be like a cup final,” Babangida said.

Nigeria is grouped alongside Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Group F in the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

The Super Eagles will play their first group match against Iran on June 23.