Keshi Demands N10m-A-Month Contract To Coach Nigeria

Latest reports indicate that Stephen Keshi has demanded a significant salary hike before he could sign a new contract to remain as Nigeria coach.

A lot of reports had claimed last week that Keshi was ready to dump Nigeria for South Africa following the expiration of his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, after the Super Eagles crashed out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

According to a latest report on africanfootball.com, Keshi allegedly told President Goodluck Jonathan that he would sign a new deal if the NFF agrees to pay him N10m a month.

It could be recalled that the former captain of the Eagles was receiving N5m a month in his initial contract.

* President Goodluck Jonathan approved payment of Super Eagles bonuses in Brazil

The report stated that Keshi made the demand when he met with President Jonathan at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on arrival from the World Cup in Brazil.

The former coach of Mali and Togo was also said to have demanded that his new salary be paid upfront to avoid the delays he suffered in the previous contract, as well as the recall of his former assistant Sylvanus Okpalla.

It was also gathered that a top official at the Presidential Villa said: “He (Keshi) demanded for N10m a month, which he wants to be paid upfront to check any delays.

“He also wanted what he called ‘a free hand’ as regards his team selection and preparations, saying he no longer wishes to deal with the technical committee.

* Coach Keshi being lifted aloft after Nigeria became champions of Africa in South Africa 2013.

"Keshi also wanted Okpalla back to his backroom staff.

“The President has assured him that his demands will be considered.”

Meanwhile Coach Keshi was reported to have pocketed a total of $300,000 (about N48 million) when he led Nigeria to the Round of 16 in Brazil.

It was gathered that the ‘Big Boss’ received a total of $260,000 as appearance fee after the Nigerian team agreed to pay each player $10,000 per game, covering both the qualifiers and the World Cup itself.

A total of 13 matches were considered and it was on that basis that the likes of Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and Godfrey Oboabona each netted $130,000 as appearance fee.
Therefore, the least a player received was $10,000 for playing a qualifier.
Keshi’s World Cup jackpot also included additional $40,000 being match bonus for the win over Bosnia, the draw with Iran and the loss to Argentina.
Assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi, reportedly earned $195,000 as appearance fee as he earns 50 per cent more than the players.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government was reported to have sent $3.6 million to the team while in Brazil through the sports minister, Dr Tamuno Danagogo, prior to Nigeria’s 0-2 defeated against France.
As at the time of compiling this report, the NFF has not come out to clear the air on the speculations surrounding Keshi’s contract.