KESHI HAILS PITCH AWARDS

Super Eagles Head Coach Stephen Keshi has thrown his weight behind the institution of a Nigeria Football Awards superintended by the Nigeria Football Federation. Keshi, Nigeria Senior Team's longest-serving Captain, said awards serve motivational purposes and help to trigger better performances from the actors and actresses in any particular industry.

His comments came against the backdrop of plans by the Nigeria Football Federation, through Matchmakers Consult International, to organize the inaugural Nigeria Pitch Awards in December 2012. 'It is a very good initiative and we must commend the Nigeria Football Federation and Matchmakers Consult International.

The institution of a Nigeria Football Awards, for every area of the football pitch, will bring out the very best in everyone, be they players, coaches, referees, sponsors, administrators or fans. For decades, our football has craved such an Awards programme but even the few that reared their heads did not last. I believe this one has protection and high chances of survival because it is backed by the football-governing body in the country,' said Keshi.

He said the awards will help ginger the players to put in their best next Saturday against Liberia. 'Surely, when you know that there is a credible Awards out there at the end of the year, it helps your performance. I believe the organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards will do everything to make the process of selection transparent and credible.'