NFF president Denies having problems with Stephen Keshi

Sandra Nwokocha

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Melvin Amaju Pinnick has come out to deny the recent reports of a feud between him and Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. 

Pinnick made this known on Thursday evening, in reaction to widespread reports that circulated same day about an alleged spat by the "big boss" against the NFF boss, with several uncomplimentary words used in the stories. 

Inspite, the widespread nature of the reports, Pinnick insists it was all fabricated and made a passionate appeal to sections of the Nigerian sports media ‘to stop heating up the football polity in the name of sensationalism.’ 

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Pinnick further charged media persons to make peace in the football family, and to be careful with the words they use in conveying messages to the public because of the important role they play. 

Pinnick went on to say that he even spoke to Keshi on Wednesday and open up that the coach told him he was exasperated that his words had been exaggerated by the press. 

In his words “I have immense respect for the media, because of the very critical role they play in the promotion of football, nay sports, as an instrument for peace and fostering of tranquility worldwide. 

He continued “However, there is need for caution in the way and manner a section amplifies and celebrates what is negative. A minute section of the media feels that only the negative sells, which is an archaic belief. 

He also added “On Wednesday, someone wrote on a website that Stephen Keshi called the NFF and particularly my person all sorts of names. This is not true. “Keshi told me that his words were blown out of proportion. 

This is not good for Nigeria football and the imperative for harmony within the football structure. Keshi himself knows that using such words would not in any away endear him to the NFF. 

He further added “It is important that we all join hands to build a sustainable football culture for the country, and it is the job of everyone, not only the NFF,” the former chairman of Delta state Football Association submitted. Sports day

Is NFF and Keshi's issue blown out of proportion??