Stephen Keshi has reportedly demanded a significant salary hike to sign a new contract to remain as Nigeria coach.
According to africanfootball.comon Tuesday, Keshi, who announced last week that his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation had expired after the Super Eagles crashed out of the World Cup following their 2-0 defeat by France, told President Goodluck Jonathan that he will sign a new deal if the NFF agrees to pay him N10m a month. The former Nigeria captain received N5m a month in his initial contract.
Africanfootball.com reported that Keshi made the demand when he met with Jonathan at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on arrival from the World Cup in Brazil. He was also said to have demanded that his new salary be paid upfront to avoid the delays he suffered in the previous deal, as well as the recall of his former assistant Sylvanus Okpalla.
A top official at the Presidential Villa told africanfootball.com, “He (Keshi) demanded for N10m a month, which he wants to be paid upfront to check any delays.
“He also wanted what he called a free hand as regards his team selection and preparations, saying he no longer wishes to deal with the technical committee.He also wanted Okpalla back to his backroom staff.
“The President has assured him that his demands will be considered.”
Meanwhile, Keshi pocketed a total of $300,000 when he led Nigeria to the last 16 of the World Cup, africanfootball.com has learned.
He reportedly got $260,000 as appearance fee for the World Cup .