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Nigeria’s coach Stephen Keshi gives a press conference at the Baixada Arena in Curitiba on June 15, 2014, on the eve of their Group F 2014 FIFA World Cup football match against Iran. AFP PHOTO

Keshi, Vincent Enyeama, Captain, Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odemnwingie quit Super Eagles
 
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Tue, 1 Jul 2014   ||   Nigeria,
 

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has resigned his appointment after leading the team to the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking after the Eagles were eliminated by France in the round of 16 match in Brasilia, Monday, the Delta State-born tactician said it was time to move on after leading his country’s national team to the Africa Nations Cup trophy last year and the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

 “I have to go back to my family and face fresh challenges,” Keshi said.

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.”

Also, some of the top Super Eagles’ players who took part in the 0-2 loss to the French national team, Les Bleus, said they plan to give chance to younger ones in the Super Eagles.

The players are Vincent Enyeama, Captain, Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odemnwingie.

In separate interviews at the mix zone, they said they have had their time and would want to concentrate at club level.

Odemwingie said, “I am confident I should go now, and I can say I have no bad feelings.

“I am happy we played well but lost. I am not too sure now weather to wish we played badly and win or the other way round.

“Whatever the case, I am happy I am leaving the team in the hands of capable upcoming juniors. They should be held together for a long time.

“For me I am not getting younger, I need to get home and evaluate what plans I have for the future.”

In response to the fact that he was still young, he said “That is why I was not conclusive. But to tell you, I will like to face club action.

“I still have three years left in my contract. I will like to stick with the club. I am not discussing any moves. I am happy at my club.

“For me, I have had a fulfilled time with the national team. I have enjoyed every moment of it. I need to quit now.

“The upcoming players in the team are good. They need all the chance. I just have to go.”

Enyeama on the other hand apologised to Nigerians for the failure of the team to beat France.

He said, “I want you all to forgive us. You have all done well to support us to this stage.”

NAN reports that Yobo no doubt made history by reaching the 100th cap mark in the national team, indeed the first Nigerian to have accomplished it.

However, he had scored an own goal in the 90th minute – a not so impressive record on a special day in his national team career.

“It happens; it was not really his fault. That should not diminish his contribution to the national team,” Mike Umeh, the Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Association said.

 

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