JOHANNESBURG — Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is nicknamed “big boss” and can now match that with big achievements, after leading his country to the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) title.
Reuters
Keshi on Sunday became the first Nigerian to lift the trophy as a coach, the first black African manager in over 20 years to win the continental championship, and only the second man to claim the title as a player and a coach.
The rare success indicated a possible change in the landscape of the continent’s football, where European managers are typically entrusted with the big African teams.
“It’s not for me alone. I hope more African coaches will get to this position and make their countries proud,” Keshi said soon after his team’s 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in the final at Johannesburg’s Soccer City.
Keshi, a former central defender who captained Nigeria to its last African title in 1994, represents a new breed of black African coaches and has often said in the past they need to be given more chances, and more space to show their ability.
Ghana’s Kwesi Appiah, also a former player, nearly led his country to the final in South Africa, falling agonisingly in the semi-finals on a penalty shootout.
“As an African person coaching the team, you do not have time,” Keshi said after the final and dressed in a green T-shirt with “Nigeria, Champions of Africa” printed on the front.
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“They (fans) want you to have the job today, tomorrow build a wonderful team, the next day win the Soccer World Cup. It’s difficult.
“If only we can understand how these things work, then we can grow better in Africa. Most of the coaches are not given freedom to work and express themselves. They hold back a little bit.”
