Keshi
The 53-year-old former Nigeria captain signed a new 2-year contract to continue as the Super Eagles coach, but he may not have as much ‘liberty of performance’ as he did in his previous contract. Clause 4.1 of the contract states that: “The NFF shall employ the head coach for a period of two (2) years.
“Provided in the unlikely event that the senior male national team (the Super Eagles) under the head coach fail to make it to the semifinals of the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the NFF in its absolute discretion may decide to terminate this present contract.”
This, in essence, means Keshi must not just qualify Nigeria for the 2016 CHAN, but must also get to the semifinal of the competition at the very least.
The former Togo coach won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa with the Eagles, after failing to lift the trophy in 19 years.
But he was far less fortunate in 2014, as he failed to lead the team to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in a group that had South Africa, Congo and Sudan.
The ‘Big Boss’ will also be sacked if the NFF feels he doesn’t possess the ability or competence to achieve the federation’s goals.
Clause 4.3 reads:
“Notwithstanding the provisions set out above or any other provision in this contract, the federation shall retain the right to terminate this agreement at any time where it is of the opinion that the coach, as demonstrated by his performance does not possess the ability or competence to achieve the federation’s objectives as set out in this contract. In such a case, the NFF shall summarily terminate this contract without prejudice to the settlement by the parties of any existing financial obligations between them.”
Meanwhile, Keshi is also expected to consult with both the technical committee and the technical study group before selecting players for both friendly and competitive games.
Clause 5.4 of the contract says:
“The head coach shall select the best crop of players of the Super Eagles who are in his opinion ready to excel in friendly and competitive games in consultation with the technical committee and the technical study group of the NFF.”
This is one area that could stir some controversy in the future, as it will be recalled that Keshi had some running battles with the immediate past technical committee of the NFF headed by Chris Green, over the invitation and selection of players.
But speaking at the signing ceremony on Tuesday, Keshi said he has wholly agreed to the terms of the contract, and has no problems with the clauses.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/04/the-booby-traps-in-keshis-contract/#sthash.oRyfLFyg.dpuf
