Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi, has stated that the proposed code of conduct for his players is tantamount to the impression that they are slaves, noting in clear terms that they already have an unwritten code of conduct guiding the players and officials while in camp.
Keshi who made the comment on Wednesday, emphasised that he has bunch of disciplined players who do not actually need the signing of any formal code of conduct, adding that he is however waiting for the official briefing from the Nigeria Football Federation or other authorities to make an official statement.
In his words: “Honestly, I’m just hearing, for the first time: the plans about my players signing code of conduct.
“I have not been been given details about it.
“I’m not going to comment much on it until the NFF officially informs me about it.
“It is only then that I will know what to do.
“However, let me make it clear that the code of conduct has always been there.
“It simply means the rules that govern everybody in the camp, which everybody must respect.
“If it is to sign it to make it more effective, I don’t see it that way because we already have code of conduct in camp.
“As I said, I think we already have code of conduct in our heads and minds.
“There is discipline in my team because I always ensure that even though my players are matured, I must know every details about their movements.
“I will know where they are going and when they will return.
“The most important thing is that we must learn to treat the players with respect.
“We cannot just regard them as slaves simply they are playing football.
“It is not going to work like that and I want to emphasise that will be the area we are likely going to have problem.”
The Eagles gaffer also reacted to the insinuation over the return of Sylvanus Okpala, admitting that he would be the happiest person if the federation reconsiders bringing him back into the fold of the Eagles technical crew, just as he described him as a hardworking person.
He said: “If he is back, you would have seen him here but I hope his return is going to be real because he is part of this team.
“He is somebody that works very hard like everyone of us here.
“He has so much passion for the game and it is really unfortunate that he is not here.
“We are trying to make them realise that we need him in the team and we will be delighted if he returns.”
Keshi rejects code of conduct for Eagles
