Wednesday’s African Nations Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Sudan may be embattled Super Eagles tactician, Stephen Keshi’s last match in charge of the African champions, a top shot in the Nigeria Football Federation has said.

The AFCON winning coach has endured a torrid time in his second stint in charge of the Super Eagles, albeit in interim capacity, leading the team to two defeats and a draw in three Morocco 2015 qualifiers.

The former Anderlecht of Belgium defender has come under huge criticism for his perceived arrogance and questionable team selection.
ALSO READ: Sports Minister Danagogo ‘Pained’ By Eagles’ Loss
Advertisement


Keshi’s much publicized spat with Villareal striker Ikechukwu Uche and other Super Eagles stars has not gone down well with the NFF chieftains and soccer loving Nigerians.
The NFF official, who preferred to speak under the condition of anonymity, said the soccer house has made up its mind to do away with the former Eagles captain after Wednesday’s reverse tie with the East Africans.
He added that an interim coach will be put in place for November AFCON qualifiers with Congo in Brazzaville and South Africa (Abuja).
Although, the coach is currently without a contract after his original deal expired during the 2014 FIFA World Cup IN Brazil, the official said the NFF has dumped the idea of sitting down with Keshi for contract renewal and will instead, ease him out of the Eagles’ hot seat, after Wednesday’s match at the Abuja National Stadium.
ALSO READ: NFF President Amaju Pinnick Speaks About Super Eagles’ Loss To Sudan
On Nigeria hopes of qualifying for Morocco 2015 despite suffering two defeats in its last three outings, the NFF official said the federation is looking beyond the next January tournament in the North African country.
He said the newly elected NFF executive committee members are determined to turn around Nigerian football and make it one of the best in the world.
The official added that the NFF is shopping for a competent coach to manage the three-time African champions.
He, however, refused to state if the new manager will be a local coach or a foreigner.
“The NFF is currently searching for a competent manager that will give us the Super Eagles of our dream. The current set up has done well, but we believe this is the time to move on. We cannot continue to celebrate or praise mediocrity.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundant talents to make a lasting impression in world soccer. But several factors have stalled our progress in the round leather game and the present NFF board will correct these anomalies, starting with the engagement of a very competent manager to manager out national team.
“The general opinion is that Keshi should go after Wednesday’s match against Sudan and a caretaker coach installed for the remaining two matches in November. Sentiment aside, the present coaching set up has overstayed its welcome, “he said.

It will be recalled that the October 11 loss (0-1) to the Falcons of Sudan, which became a great shock for many Nigerians, placed the Eagles at the bottom of Group A in the ongoing qualifiers for the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Source: http://www.naij.com/305356-keshi-to-leave-after-sudan-match-nff-source.html