Pinnick Denies Owing Late Super Eagles Coach

By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH

Amaju Pinnick Says NFF Settled All Keshi’s Dues

FORMER Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, has rejected allegations that the federation failed to pay late Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, his entitlements.

Pinnick addressed the issue during a discussion with former national team captain, Sunday Oliseh, on his YouTube channel, where the administration of the Super Eagles during Keshi’s era was examined.

According to Pinnick, claims that Keshi was owed by the NFF are inaccurate and misleading. He insisted that all payments due to the former coach were made in full during his time in charge.

“We didn’t owe Keshi anything. Every single entitlement was paid,” Pinnick stated.

He also highlighted the professional and personal relationship he shared with the late coach, describing it as positive and respectful throughout their association at the federation.

Pinnick dismissed insinuations that Keshi was mistreated by the NFF leadership, noting that the coach remained valued for his immense contribution to Nigerian football.

“I had a good relationship with him, and when he passed on, I was the first person to arrive,” Pinnick said, emphasising the closeness between both men.

Stephen Keshi, fondly known as the “Big Boss,” etched his name in African football history by winning the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach. His 2013 AFCON triumph remains one of Nigeria’s proudest football moments.

Keshi passed away in 2016 at the age of 54, and debates over his treatment by football authorities have persisted since. Pinnick’s comments aim to counter those narratives and reaffirm the federation’s position on the matter.