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Harare - Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba has launched a scathing attack on Stephen Keshi, claiming the national team head coach has "lost it".
The tactician took over the Super Eagles reins in 2011 before guiding them to Africa Cup of Nations glory two years later, earning him plenty of plaudits as Nigeria looked to return to the top of the pile in Africa.
However, the coach has come under heavy criticism since the side's failed 2014 World Cup campaign, while defeat to Sudan and a draw against South Africa in their opening two 2015 AFCON qualifiers have drawn the ire of a nation.
The recent tumultuous goings-on at the Nigerian Football Federation have had their fair share of negative impact on the national team, but they now have a new president in Amaju Pinnick, and Ikpeba, a Super Eagle between 1992 and 2002, believes a change in coach is also required.
"For how long will Keshi build the Eagles?" said Ikpeba. "He has been building this team since 2012 and still wants to continue building in 2014. No. What type of builder is he?
"His success in South Africa where he won the Nations Cup was a collective effort."
He continued: "He has placed us on the hard corner of qualification for the Nations Cup in Morocco. While Nigerians are gritting about their chances, he has invited rookies for the must win matches against Sudan. Keshi needs to ask himself questions. He should be a critic unto himself.
"He is either blaming the players or attacking even ex-internationals who criticize him.
"He has invited rookies to the national team. He is busy excluding the best players because of his personal interest. My brother, Keshi has lost it."
The tactician took over the Super Eagles reins in 2011 before guiding them to Africa Cup of Nations glory two years later, earning him plenty of plaudits as Nigeria looked to return to the top of the pile in Africa.
However, the coach has come under heavy criticism since the side's failed 2014 World Cup campaign, while defeat to Sudan and a draw against South Africa in their opening two 2015 AFCON qualifiers have drawn the ire of a nation.
The recent tumultuous goings-on at the Nigerian Football Federation have had their fair share of negative impact on the national team, but they now have a new president in Amaju Pinnick, and Ikpeba, a Super Eagle between 1992 and 2002, believes a change in coach is also required.
"For how long will Keshi build the Eagles?" said Ikpeba. "He has been building this team since 2012 and still wants to continue building in 2014. No. What type of builder is he?
"His success in South Africa where he won the Nations Cup was a collective effort."
He continued: "He has placed us on the hard corner of qualification for the Nations Cup in Morocco. While Nigerians are gritting about their chances, he has invited rookies for the must win matches against Sudan. Keshi needs to ask himself questions. He should be a critic unto himself.
"He is either blaming the players or attacking even ex-internationals who criticize him.
"He has invited rookies to the national team. He is busy excluding the best players because of his personal interest. My brother, Keshi has lost it."
