Nigeria’s coach Stephen Keshi has stuck his neck out, declaring that he will resign should his Super Eagles lose to the Flames in next month’s swim-or-sink 2014 World Cup qualifier in Calabar.
Keshi, who guided the Super Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations glory early this year, was quoted by Nigeria’s Daily Independent as saying: “Sure, I will quit if we lose against Malawi.
“I will quit especially if it will make Nigeria to perform a whole lot better.”
The Super Eagles mentor added that quitting his current job will not mean “the end of the world”.
“There are lots of countries that are looking for coaches, so leaving the Nigeria job is not a big deal.
“I came from somewhere, so it’s not like I want to be coach for the Super Eagles for the rest of my life,” added Keshi.
A few days ago, Flames coach Tom Saintfiet reiterated that he believes his charges will defy the odds and stun the African champions in the cauldron of Calabar on September 6 and go on to qualify for the global showcase in Brazil.
Said Saintfiet: “I would be stupid to come here and say we can’t beat Nigeria.
“As I said, to me money is not the motivation. To me, beating Nigeria will be the best bonus,” said Saintfiet.
The Flames mentor added that he draws his motivation from the fact that Namibia and Kenya were able to hold the Super Eagles.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said Saintfiet is out to make a name for himself by beating Nigeria.
“It will open the doors for him in terms of opportunities if he wins, his name will be all over the world. It will also increase his chances of landing a permanent job as Flames coach.
“Coaches all over the world demand a minimum of $15 000 [about K5.1 million] a month,” said Nyamilandu.
