Don’t Mind Malawi Mind Games, Commissioner Tells Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi appeared to have been boxed into a corner by his Malawian counter, Tom Saintfiet in their war of words ahead of the September 7 World Cup qualifier at the U.J Esuene Stadium.

The Belgian raised the stake yesterday when he accused Keshi of racism and has threated to report the former Super Eagles captain to FIFA.

But Cross River commissioner for sports, Mr. Patrick Ugbe has told Keshi and his assistants to concentrate on their preparations and avoid falling for the mind games sparked off by Saintfiet.

“Keshi should let Saintfiet do all the talking. He should just put it in mind that the Malawi coach is trying to wind him up. “The best thing is to keep quiet and concentrate on preparations. Keshi’s response should be on the pitch,” said Ugbe.

He added that everything has been put in place to make the Eagles comfortable in Calabar adding that the Cross River government will not offer any special incentives to the team to beat Malawi.

Meanwhile top shots of the Nigeria football federation have feigned ignorance of reported threated by Saintfiet to report Keshi to FIFA. The Belgian-born coach alleged that Keshi called him a “white dude”and he has instructed his lawyers to file a complaint to the world soccer governing body.” “I am not aware of any story about Keshi and Saintfiet.

And so I have no comments,” said NFF technical committee chairman, Barister Chris Green. Another officicial who was contracted on phone retorted that he was having a head-ache and he need rest, therefore he cannot make any comment on the matter.