Super Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, launched a furious defence of his players following Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Scotland in a match whose build-up had been disrupted over a match-fixing investigation being launched.
Keshi said his World Cup finals-bound players were not gamblers but footballers and ridiculed allegations that anything sinister had taken place.
The game was threatened after Britain’s serious crime squad, the National Crime Agency, was called to investigate a possible threat of match-fixing linked to illegal betting rings ahead of the game at Fulham’s ground in London.
But Keshi, who coached Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations title last year, said his team was not affected by the off-field issues before the kick-off.
“We did (talk about it) because it’s something ridiculous, something that we don’t know where it’s coming from. We’re not gamblers, we are football players,” said Keshi.
“I don’t even know where that is coming from, we don’t know what happened, match fixing or no match fixing.
“This is the first time I’ve been a coach or been a player and the first time I’m hearing this, match-fixing. I don’t think it had anything to do with our build-up or the game.”
Meanwhile, Scotland Coach, Gordon Strachan, was delighted with the way his side played as they extended their unbeaten streak to six, whilst also refusing to be drawn on the match-fixing storm.
“I liked that performance,” said Strachan.
“I think the only thing we had a problem with is that some of the lads have not trained for three weeks and have been on holiday.
“We could have ended up with four or five goals and that’s the first time I have said that.
“In terms of play so far, that’s as good as it gets. Overall I think there was a bit of flair and imagination, which I like and it was against a top side.
“It is something we have been working on and we want to take it up a level, Nigeria are a terrific side and they upped their level and pressure.
“There is a lot to be proud of and I’m just disappointed for them that we haven’t got the win.”
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