BEVERLY HILLS, May 15, (THEWILL) – Regarding the bribery allegation levelled against a former coach of the Super Eagles, the late Stephen Keshi, prior to 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a former skipper of the team and a newly appointed Assistant Coach of the team, Joseph Yobo, has called for caution.
The former Everton defender while speaking with the Nigerian Football Federation in a live session stressed the need for caution as continuous bickering on the issue will divide the football family.
Yobo said: “As the captain of the team (at that time), I was privy to the goings on, most especially when we started the final camping leading to the tournament in Brazil.
“To the best of my knowledge, I can’t figure out any unethical doings but we need to also respect the personalities of the individuals who raised the allegation. I worked under several indigenous coaches, interestingly; Keshi and Amodu Shaibu of blessed memories were exceptional.
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“All through my 13 years sojourn with the national team, no coach made such demand from me but would not want to join in the condemnation of the players who have come out to speak for themselves today. I have lots of respect for both players at the centre of this issue but we need to move on as the tournament in question is history.”
THEWILL had previously reported on the bribery allegations in the national team and how former players like Chinedu Obasi, Taye Taiwo and Brown Ideye had all alleged that the coach demanded bribes from them to be included in the team for the 2014 World Cup. However, former coaches like Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shorunmu have dismissed the claims as untrue.
