Keshi dismisses Renard comparisons

Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi does not wish his approach to be compared with Zambia’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Herve Renard.

Renard relied on a combination of Zambia-based players and others from across Africa as he guided the team to their first ever Afcon title this month.

Keshi has been working with a set of players from the Nigeria Premier League since he took over in November 2011.

Keshi’s predecessor Samson Siasia relied more on European-based talent, and the change in approach, coupled with Zambia’s success, has provoked a comparison between the Super Eagles new man and Renard.

“No, I’m Stephen Keshi, I’m not Herve Renard,” Keshi told SuperSport when asked about potential similarities.

“Zambia’s achievement is big and I must say it comes on the back of a lot of planning and hard work by that country as well as patience from their fans.”

“That team has been together for about three to four years. We are in the process of building here (in Nigeria) and it will be out of place to start comparing myself or this team to Zambia or their coach.”

Nigeria will play a friendly against Liberia on Wednesday and are expected to announce a squad that will play against Rwanda in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification game on February 29.

Keshi has said he will only include a handful of Europe-based players for the match.