Supper Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, and Captain, Joseph Yobo on Monday resigned his appointment as the national team coach and Captain respectively, blaming official apathy for his decision.
Speaking shortly after the game, Keshi said it was time for him to quit the job he began in 2011, saying he would go back to the United States (US) to be with his family, as well as reflect on his future.
He alleged that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had not spoken to him about renewing his contract, adding that he was tired of waiting for official contact on his job.
Reacting to the Eagles defeat by France Monday, Keshi said Nigeria would have recorded a better result than the 0-2 loss if the match officials had been fair to his team.
France defeated Nigeria 2-0 with two second half goals by Paul Pogba and Joseph Yobo (an own goal).
But rather than concede defeat to the French team, Keshi said the centre referee, Mark Geiger from the U.S. and his assistants ensured that the Eagles did not have a good day in Brasilia.
According to Keshi: “The score line is not the true reflection of what happened on the pitch. We were unlucky to have the officiating against us.
‘’We scored a good goal, which would have boosted our confidence, but the referee disallowed it. The French players were kicking my boys right in front of the referee, but he did nothing about that.
‘’We lost Onazi to their dangerous tackles, which affected the game. The referee is the Alpha and Omega and his decisions cannot be changed.’’
On the introduction of Gabriel Reuben, who many blame for the disorganisation of the team in the second half, Keshi said Reuben did well in training, adding, however, that players often times did not live up to expectation in big occasions.
He said: ‘’Gabriel Reuben prepared very well like the other players. The problem is that when you lose a game, all manner of coaches come out to tell you what you should have done.
‘’Some of my players are not mature enough; they easily lose focus and I think going forward, that is what we will try to correct.’’
Keshi revealed that he got enough support from the Federal Government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), adding that he was sad the Eagles have lost out of the race for the World Cup trophy.
He regretted the absence of US-based attacker, Bright Dike and Germany-based defender, Leon Balogun, saying that the injured players would have made a difference in the Nigerian team.
Similarly, Super Eagles Captain, Yobo Joseph said he has had enough and can go no further as national team player. “I think I should give the younger ones the opportunity to forge ahead. I have nothing new to offer,” he said
