Abdullahi: Jonathan Nearly Fired Me Over Keshi’s Shock AFCON 2013 Exit

Former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has revealed that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan nearly sacked him following Stephen Keshi’s shock resignation after Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON triumph in South Africa.

Abdullahi, now National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Party (ADC), makes the disclosure in his new book The Loyalist.

In chapter eight, titled Winner Stands Alone, Abdullahi recalls the tense hours after the Super Eagles’ victory.

‘This was my last night in South Africa. The next day, I would return to Nigeria a hero. Of 31 ministers of sports since independence, only two had achieved what I had just achieved,’ he wrote.

But his celebration was cut short when his driver asked why Keshi had resigned.

Abdullahi initially dismissed the claim: ‘Keshi did not resign. I don’t think you know what you are talking about. Just drive.’

Moments later, a radio bulletin confirmed: ‘Keshi had resigned as the national team coach a few minutes after leading Nigeria to Africa Cup of Nations victory.’

Shocked, Abdullahi returned to his hotel, only to receive calls from Nigeria. His friend Waziri Adio told him: ‘Well, we heard that Keshi has resigned. That you wanted to sack him, so he decided to resign. They said you want to bring Rijkaard.’

The controversy quickly escalated into political intrigue. Abdullahi recounts that then-Aviation Minister Stella Oduah later informed him of Jonathan’s suspicions: ‘

‘They told the president that you engineered the sacking of Keshi to cause a crisis so that the president would not be able to take full benefit from the victory. They said you were carrying out a Saraki agenda.’

Abdullahi insists the allegations were baseless, but admits the episode nearly cost him his position at the height of Nigeria’s football glory.