The Moment (London)
Ajibade Olusesan
30 December 2011
FORMER international, Peter Nieketen, has warned Stephen Keshi, Super Eagles coach, against banning the use of earrings by national team players.
Keshi had, last week, warned players invited to the national team against wearing jewelry in camp.
But Nieketan reasoned that such disciplinary measures could pit the coach against his players.
He said Keshi should desist from enforcing unnecessary measures, noting that it was what prepared the ground for the fall of his predecessor, Samson Siasia.
According to Nieketan, wearing earrings would not stop the players from respecting the coach, obeying his instruction and adhering to the code of conduct. He insisted that the gaffer should also respect his players’ rights too.
‘What has earring got to do with players’ performance? These guys use them while playing for their clubs and do well. I see nothing wrong with players putting on earrings, as long they respect the code of conduct and give Keshi the deserved respect, which is okay.
‘With this (earrings ban), he is bringing unnecessary distraction that could affect his job. This law will bring disaffection and disunity in the team. I believe he is supposed to learn from his predecessor’s mistakes and not follow the same line,’ said Nieketen.
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