NSC Angry Over Keshi’s Criticism Of Abuja National Stadium Pitch

The National Sports Commission (NSC) are not happy with Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, after he criticized the recently re-grassed playing surface of the National Stadium in Abuja.

Keshi reportedly said on Tuesday: "From what I saw it is a sandy pitch, and it is hard. It will be very difficult for the players to play on it, especially the goalkeepers because it is sharp sand."

Reports have now emerged, claiming that the Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdullahi, who is out of the country at the moment, contacted NFF President Aminu Maigari, to express his displeasure.


Keshi was forced to clarify his comments in a later press conference.

"I was responding to a question by a reporter and what I said was that the stadium is not bad but we still have some work to do," he said.

"I am surprised that it has become Keshi condemning the entire process of stadium repairs."

A Sports Ministry official revealed that they even considered locking the team out of the stadium.

"A lot of work was put into this pitch. And the best materials were used. So It is a bit upsetting to hear the things that Keshi said," the official said.

"We could have locked the stadium and let them go elsewhere to train if it wasn't for reasons of national interest."