Keshi Denies Illegally Sharing From Afcon Cash

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has described as ridiculous a media report which quoted his ex-assistant, Sylvanus Okpala, as saying the money given to the team by the Cross River State government following last year’s triumph at the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) was shared with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The report quoted Okpala as saying the money was taken from those of officials and players in order to ensure peace, which has long eluded the team.
Speaking from Abuja after reading the story, Keshi said: “I want to assume that Sylvanus was misquoted, but if not then there is no truth in such a claim, because the NFF have never asked or shared from any monies given to the team by supporters and well-meaning Nigerians and state governments.”

Keshi Rejects Claims He Shared Afcon Cash With NFF Officials.

“We have our rules here in the team and the team administrator normally liaises with the captain and other relevant authorities before such monies are doled out.
“Indeed, the Cross River Government was very clear about who gets what and the money was paid direct to the account of all the players and officials.”
He also stressed that blackmail will go nowhere in correcting perceived wrongdoing on the part taken by Okpala, who maybe is angry with the NFF over his present employment status.
“I don’t know why the media and some of our friends like to drag me into all these controversies when we should be concentrating on preparation for the World Cup,” he added.
“Maybe the name Keshi just evokes some form of joy in their minds and the only way to appreciate it is to put me under the searchlight all the time, it’s not fair on me please.”