Stephen Keshi: Ex-Internationals’ Criticism Unfair to Eagles

Stephen Keshi: Ex-Internationals’ Criticism Unfair to Eagles

Posted by Sylvester on Monday, June 23, 2014 0

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Stephen Keshi Says It’s Bad When Ex-Footballers Criticises His Team Unnecessarily.

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is disappointed by the level of disparaging criticisms leveled against his team by the country’s former stars, following their opening World Cup draw with Iran.

The Super Eagles built upon an opening goalless draw to eliminating Bosnia-Hercegovina from the tournament, courtesy of a 1-0 win in Cuiaba on Saturday.

“The annoying thing is that they get criticised unnecessarily back home,” said Keshi, 52.

Among many Nigerians, who could not withhold their displeasure over the team’s performance against fourth-timers Iran, was ex-skipper of the national side, Asutin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha.

Okocha, for one, said Keshi’s team did not display enough tactical wit in the draw; an opinion Keshi finds disturbing with regards to the bearer.

“When that comes from the man on the streets, you can understand, but when people who should know like ex-footballers criticise the team, I don’t enjoy it at all,” he added.

“But the players have showed that they are good enough for the World Cup, but they are yet to play to full potential.”

Nigeria battle perennial foes Argentina for a chance to finish top of Group F on Wednesday. The African champions need just a draw to advance into the last-16 for the first time in 16 years, while a loss could be disastrous, owing that Iran could still qualify with a win over Bosnia.