{{Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi “does not see anything bad” about his recent comments towards Malawi counterpart Tom Saintfiet.}}<\/p>\n
The Malawi Football Association (FAM) has reported Keshi to Fifa after he called Saintfiet “a white dude who should go back to Belgium”.<\/p>\n
Keshi’s remarks, which FAM and Saintfiet have called “racist”, came in response to their request to move September’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria from Calabar on security grounds.<\/p>\n
“I only gave a strong reaction that it was wrong to insult the same country that Saintfiet was ready to work in. I really don’t see anything bad about defending my country,” Keshi told media.<\/p>\n
“I honestly have nothing against Saintfiet, I met him when he was in Nigeria for his interview for the job of Nigeria Technical Director here and we spoke at length on football subjects.<\/p>\n
“Apparently, a harmless slang remark of ‘white dude’ was obviously misconstrued and the whole comments have clearly been taken out of context.<\/p>\n
“I believe he would strongly defend Belgium in the same passionate and emotional manner should someone consider it unsafe to play football or visit that country.<\/p>\n
“I have played football in Belgium and other countries around the world, where I have met different people. I still have Belgian friends and others from different backgrounds, so there’s no way I would racially abuse him or anyone for that matter.<\/p>\n
“I hope to shake hands, hug and speak with my good friend Saintfiet when we meet in Nigeria for the World Cup game.<\/p>\n
“I think I’ve already said enough, clarified things and need to focus on the crucial game ahead.”<\/p>\n
Fifa has confirmed media that it has received an official complaint from FAM about Keshi’s comments.<\/p>\n
However, neither Keshi nor the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have been contacted by football’s world governing body regarding the issue.<\/p>\n
The Group F World Cup qualifier in Calabar on 7 September will decide who advances to the final round of play-offs in African qualifying for next year’s tournament in Brazil.<\/p>\n
African champions Nigeria need just a draw to progress while Malawi must win if they are to go through.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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