#Moodyshegsblog update: Keshi defends Saintfiet comments

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi "does not
see anything bad" about his recent
comments towards Malawi counterpart
Tom Saintfiet.
The Football Association of Malawi has
reported Keshi to FIFA after he called
Saintfiet "a white dude who should go
back to Belgium".
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.
"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 BBC
Sport.
"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.
"Apparently, a harmless slang remark
of 'white dude' was obviously
misconstrued and the whole comments
have clearly been taken out of context.
"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.
"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.
"I hope to shake hands, hug and speak
with my good friend Saintfiet when we
meet in Nigeria for the World Cup
game.
"I think I've already said enough,
clarified things and need to focus on
the crucial game ahead."
FIFA has confirmed to BBC Sport that it
has received an official complaint from
FAM about Keshi's comments.
However, neither Keshi nor the Nigeria
Football Federation have been
contacted by football's world governing
body regarding the issue.
The Group F World Cup qualifier in
Calabar on September 7 will decide
who advances to the final round of
play-offs in the African qualifying
series for next year's tournament in
Brazil.
African champions Nigeria need just a
draw to progress while Malawi must
win if they are to go through.
...releases team list for Malawi
T he Nigeria Football Federation has
approved a list of 23 players submitted
coach Stephen Keshi for next week's
World Cup qualifying match against
Malawi in Calabar.
Top on the list is France-based
goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, who has
largely captained the team this year,
with goalkeeper Austin Ejide, defenders
Godfrey Oboabona and Efe Ambrose,
midfielders Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and
Ogenyi Onazi and forwards Emmanuel
Emenike, Ahmed Musa and Uche
Nwofor.
"We have accepted the list of 23
players and they will resume camping
for the match in Calabar on Monday,"
head of the Technical Committee, Chris
Green, said on Friday.
The Super Eagles need only a draw in
week's clash at the U. J. Esuene
Stadium to progress into the 10-team
final elimination round, where two-leg
knock-out fixtures will determine
Africa's five flag-bearers at the World
Cup in Brazil next year.
The Flames of Malawi are expected in
Nigeria on Thursday.
THE FULL LIST
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille,
France), Austin Ejide (Hapoel
Be'er Sheva, Israel), Chigozie Agbim
(Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting
Braga, Portugal), Benjamin Francis
(Heartland, Nigeria), Efe Ambrose
(Celtic, Scotland), Solomon Kwambe
(Sunshine Stars, Nigeria), James
Okwuosa (Chippa United, South
Africa); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor
FC, Turkey), Azubuike Egwuekwe
(Warri Wolves, Nigeria)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea,
England), Ogenyi Onazi (SS
Lazio, Italy), John Ogu (Academica de
Coimbra, Portugal), Victor Moses
(Chelsea, England), Nnamdi Oduamadi
(AC Milan, Italy), Nosa Igiebor (Real
Betis, Spain), Sunday Mba (Bastia,
France)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA
Moscow, Russia), Brown Ideye
(Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Shola Ameobi
(Newcastle United, England),
Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC,
Turkey), Uche Nwofor (SC Heerenveen,
Netherlands), Obinna Nsofor
(Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia).