"Coach Stephen Keshi Has Lost It" - Victor Ikpeba Blasts Keshi's Tactics

Former African player of the year has criticized the Big Boss for his selection ahead of the crunch qualifiers against Sudan this month. The ex-Nigeria forward, Victor Ikpeba has lashed out at coach Stephen Keshi over his decision to call up ‘rookies’ for the must-win pair of 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan this month. The Super Eagles, reigning African champions, could miss out on defending their title in Morocco if they fail to win both matches after starting on a wrong footing last month.

While the out-of-contract Keshi insists he is still building a good squad by handing fresh call ups to several new players, Ikpeba has raised the alarm over the possibility of the country missing out on qualifying due to the Big Boss’ self-serving posturing.

As part of his 24-man squad for the double-header against Sudan, Keshi called up Aaron Samuel of Guangzhou R&F in China, Emmanuel Sunday on SV ScholzGrodig, Austria, Anyora Ugonna of Haugesund FC, Norway and Hope Akpan of Reading FC, England. The 52-year-old has ignored more experienced campaigners Ikechukwu Uche of Villareal, Obafemi Martins of Seattle Sounders and new kid on the block Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City.

“For how long will Keshi build the Eagles,” Ikpeba who won the African Player of the Year award in 1997 asked in a Vanguard interview.
“He has been building this team since 2012 and still wants to continue building in 2014. No. What type of builder is he? His success in South Africa where he won the Nations Cup was a collective effort. “He has placed us on the hard corner of qualification for the Nations Cup in Morocco. While Nigerians are gritting about their chances, he has invited rookies for the must win matches against Sudan. Keshi needs to ask himself questions. He should be a critic unto himself.

“He is either blaming the players or attacking even ex-internationals who criticize him. "He has invited rookies to the national team. He is busy excluding the best players because of his personal interest. My brother, Keshi has lost it,” Ikpeba said.

The fate of the coach who led Nigeria to their third African title in 2013 will largely be determined by his side's performance over the two legs with Sudan as the new Nigeria Football Federation board takes charge.