UNKNOWN to many, former Super Eagles captain, Stephen Keshi shed tears on hearing that Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Gabon and Equitorial Guinea.A close confidant of the former Togolese national team coach revealed that Keshi who was unable to watch the encounter at his United State of America base screamed when he got the news of Nigeria's failure."When I called him to inform him of the outcome of the match between the Eagles and Guinea in Abuja, he was shocked and was completely short of words."I could notice from his voice that he was hugely disappointed having earlier prayed for the success of the Samson Siasia tutored Eagles in that decisive match," added Keshi's associate.Meanwhile,HIGHLY-RATED Belgian coach, Tom Saintfiet, who transformed Ethiopia within a few months, has expressed interest in the vacant Super Eagles job.The Nigeria job is now vacant after Samson Siasia was fired Friday for failing to qualify for next year's Africa Cup of Nations.Saintfiet told MTNFootball.com that the Super Eagles job was in the continent."If Nigeria is interested in me I would be very much interested in the job," Saintfiet said.Saintfiet is no stranger to the Super Eagles after holding them to a 2-2 draw on June 5 in Addis Ababa while in charge of Ethiopia in a 2012 Africa Cup Group B qualifier."I think they saw my potential when Ethiopia drew 2-2. I am ready," said the 38-year-old Belgian, who reportedly first applied for the Eagles job two years ago."You see, a foreign coach who must coach a big team like Nigeria or any big African team must have a strong knowledge and background of the culture and game on the continent."I think I have those attributes from my years working in Namibia and Ethiopia, and now Nigeria must do the same."But I know Nigeria has other options and I have other options, but let's see what happens."Meanwhile, Saintfiet said he has enjoyed his last five months in charge as Ethiopia coach that ended after October 8 in the Walya Antelopes last Group B game against Madagascar that finished 4-2 in favour of the hosts in Addis Ababa.'I enjoyed my cooperation with players and staff. However, despite the many positives, some agreements were not honoured and that is the reason for this decision,' he said.Ethiopia finished third in Group B on 7 points, seven behind pool winners Guinea.
Click here to read full news..
