Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has finally addressed insinuations that he collects ‘bribes’ to invite some ‘unknown’ players to the national side, the Super Eagles.
The ‘Big Boss’ has been speaking about Aaron Samuel’s good form for the African champions, and also went on to mention some other players he has invited that has raised eyebrows, which prompted people to think he ‘collects money’ from them for their invitations.
The 52-year-old has however called for Nigerians to support the players, irrespective of who they are and where they play.
“I just have to elaborate a little bit as is the case with Aaron Samuel who has done well. Babatunde Michael is the same, just that he’s injured right now. When he first came, a lot of people were saying ‘Oh Keshi took money from these boys, Keshi took money’, which is very out of faith,†he told Hot FM.
“We just have to believe in these boys because if you guys don’t give them the belief and confidence, how are they going to be the next Okocha? How are they going to be the next Kanu?
“How are they going to be the next Uche Okechukwu? How are they going to be the next Peter Rufai?†Keshi asked rather rhetorically.
“We have to give them room to grow and that is how football players develop. Messi didn’t grow in one day, he had a lot of room to build.
“Ronaldo and the rest of them, Zinedine Zidane and others and that’s it and if we can start doing this in Nigeria that will be a great thing for all Nigerian players.â€