THE Nigeria Football Federation has sacked Super Eagles head coach Stephen Keshi along with his backroom staff after a three-year spell.
The decision was reached after the NFF executive committee met to discuss to fate of the team following a string of poor results that have put the reigning African champions in danger of not defending their title in Morocco next year.
Keshi’s last game in charge was yesterday’s 3-1 win over Sudan in a Nations Cup qualifier which was only a second win for the Eagles in their last 13 games.
Former coach of the side Shuaibu Amodu makes a return to the saddle and will be assisted by three coaches from the Nigerian top-flight – Salisu Yusuf, Gbenga Ogunbote and Alloy Agu.
The new technical team will oversee the country’s final two qualifying games away to Congo-Brazzaville and at home to South Africa next month, while the NFF hunts for a foreign coach.
To be sure of a place in the continental showpiece, the Eagles must win both games.
The NFF bosses took the decision after the Sudan game in Abuja last night, and said they were acting “in the interest of Nigerian football and the desire to ensure qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals”.
Keshi was appointed boss of the team in November 2011 and among his achievements were the AFCON title in 2013, an African Nations Championship (CHAN) bronze medal in 2014 and a last-16 place at the World Cup.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal replaces Emmanuel Attah as new team coordinator, while Toyin Ibitoye replaces Ben Alaiya as media officer.
Team secretary Dayo Enebi keeps his place. Nigeria Wires
