A statement by the NFF Executive Committee on Saturday said this decision was made, “having thoroughly reviewed the reports/findings of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and NFF Technical and Development Committee.”

It added that in taking the decision, the committee reviewed the actions and inactions of Keshi, in the performance of his duties as the Eagles’ Head Coach in which, “we found to lack the required commitment to achieve the federation’s objectives as set out in the coach’s employment contract’’.

The statement adds: “to this end and pursuant to the provisions of Clause 4.3 of the Employment Contract between Mr Stephen Keshi and the NFF (The Contract) and the various clauses therein, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to exercise its option to summarily terminate the employment contract of Mr Stephen Keshi with the Federation with immediate effect.”

It said the termination was “without prejudice to the settlement of any existing and due financial obligations between the NFF and Keshi’’.

The statement quoting its 1st Vice-President, Seyi Akinwunmi, on behalf of executive committee, assured Nigerians, “the decision was not taken lightly or with any prejudice, but in the ultimate interest of Nigerian football”.