I Have Nothing To Apologise To Keshi For — Pinnick

Former Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick has said he has nothing to apologise to the late Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, over the disagreements that characterised their relationship during Keshi’s time in charge of the national team.

Pinnick made the remarks while reflecting on his tenure as NFF president and his relationship with Keshi during an interview with former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh.

The former NFF boss acknowledged that his relationship with Keshi was difficult at certain periods but maintained that he acted in the interest of Nigerian football and did not believe he owed the former coach an apology.

Keshi, who led Nigeria to victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, was widely regarded as one of the country’s most successful coaches. He also guided the Super Eagles to the knockout stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

However, his tenure became increasingly controversial, particularly over issues surrounding player selection, contract negotiations and the management of the national team.

Pinnick said disagreements between the federation and Keshi should be viewed within the broader context of the responsibilities of the NFF and the need to protect the interests of Nigerian football.

He argued that being NFF president required him to make difficult decisions and that some of those decisions could not always be popular with coaches or other stakeholders.

According to Pinnick, he respected Keshi as a football figure but did not accept the suggestion that his actions during their disagreements were unjustified.

He also disputed narratives suggesting that his administration deliberately undermined the former coach, insisting that the federation provided support to the national team while Keshi was in charge.

Keshi was removed as Super Eagles coach in 2015 following a period of tension with the football authorities. He briefly returned to the position before his contract was eventually terminated.

The former coach died in June 2016 at the age of 54.

Pinnick said the passage of time had not changed his position on the issues that led to their disagreements. He maintained that he had made decisions based on what he believed was best for Nigerian football at the time.

He also stressed that personal disagreements should not overshadow Keshi’s achievements with the Super Eagles.

Pinnick’s comments come amid renewed discussions about the administration of Nigerian football following the resignation of NFF president Ibrahim Gusau.

The former federation president has recently spoken extensively about his time in office, including the NFF’s relationships with international sponsors and the challenges he encountered while managing Nigerian football.

Pinnick served as NFF president from 2014 to 2022 and remains an influential figure in African and international football administration.