NFF and Keshi's unpaid salary.

   The Nigerian Football Federation continues her legendary show of shame. One cannot help but wonder if the office is cursed in any way, because from the days of the Nigerian Football Association,  it has been from one show of shame to the other. Today, the story making the rounds is the issue of the national team coach, Stephen Keshi's unpaid salary. From both confirmed and unconfirmed sources, Stephen Keshi hasn't been paid for over seven months. What can be more ridiculous?! And then, the national team handler whom the same federation and her cronies have sometimes made out to be a stubborn man have kept on working. Diligently, I dare say. And then an NFF spokesperson comes out to say that even though he hasn't been paid, that the federation have been taking care of his other bills. And that moreover, some NFF staff have yet to receive their salaries too. That's a typical Nigerian style of defending stupidity with extreme idiocy. Super Eagles staged a mini protest over unpaid allowances and the NFF cried foul and even blamed the coaching crew for not 'holding back' the players. At the end of the day, some unrealistic and naive recommendations were made by the Adeniyi led panel. So sad.

   It is a pity that the singular factor that bring Nigerians together, football, is constantly used as a toy by those who are supposed to know better. Instead of focusing on football as an instrument for peace and development in the country, intense politics is brought in to play a much unwanted and devilish role. That goes to show how our acclaimed leaders view us. I dare say that Nigeria is cursed in the area of leadership but making their hatred known with such alacrity is what seem to be disheartening. ASUU would have gone on strike long before now if they were in Keshi's shoes. NLC would have organized a nationwide anti government rally. Okonjo Iweala would have submitted a supplementary budget if her own pay was directly affected. But because it is 'just' Stephen Keshi's salary, nobody gives a chicken tooth. Keshi is reported to have said that while he was Malian and Togolese team handler, he got his salary before the end of any given month. Well, what our supremo doesn't realize is that 'This Is Nigeria'. And then so much pressure has been on the man for a long time now as regards the team's performance at the Confeds and also the World Cup qualifiers. 

   The NFF have as usual and expected, given lack of funds as the reason behind Keshi's unpaid salary. Then we ask; was his salary not budgeted for at the beginning of the year? The case of funds going into execution of U-17 World Cup and all that is pure crap. This singular excuse shows extreme inefficiency on their part and then in a civilized society, the entire board will be in hot soup. Unless of course their is something they are not telling us. A situation where rumors abound about NFF and their family members forming part of the contingent to tournaments is worrisome. As unconfirmed as it is, I know of an African proverb that says that there is no smoke without fire. There is an element of truth in it, no matter how micro it may seem. On a daily basis, the NFF exhibit a high level of irresponsibility in the discharge of their assigned and assumed duties. They have become a lord to themselves and constantly toy with the reasoning of football loving Nigerians. The other day I read a report that says Sani Lulu is preparing to run for the highest chair in the glass house. What a shame. Recycling. As with other sectors of the economy, we keep recycling. That alone, is a sure reason we have remained on one spot for long. Thank God NFF mistakenly hired Keshi, otherwise our football will still be in the pit till date. 

   I, and indeed several others are not expecting any good from the present NFF, but they should at least quit playing games with Nigerians. The issue is now before the National Sports Commission. Nigerians await the outcome of the escalation. If it were possible, I am sure the poor, football loving Nigerians will contribute towards Keshi's salary! That is how much we love football!