Nigeria's former Eagle,s striker and a two-time National Coach, Mr. Stephen Keshi has been appointed for the third time as a National Coach.
The “big boss” as he is popularly called has enjoyed a good run as head coach of Super Eagles as in his first spell as coach, he won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
His deal was however not renewed after a not too good outing at 2014 world cup in Brazil and failing to clinch a ticket to the AFCON 2015.
Speaking after his extending his contract, Stephen Keshi said;
“It’s a fresh start. We need the support of our fans, media and every Nigerian to return the team to where we truly belong”.
“As a coach and former player I was also hurt that we failed to qualify for the last Nations Cup.
“To succeed we all need to come together as one because Nigeria belongs to us, this is not Stephen Keshi’s team but our national team,” Keshi told BBC Sport.
Stephen Keshi recieves contract (PHOTO CREDIT: @arafat299)
It was gathered that Keshi has set several targets and that his contract will be terminated if he does not meet them.
The 53-year-old was also required to sign a code of conduct and is expected to work with the Nigerian Football Federation technical committee.
Keshi, who also won the Nations Cup as a player with Nigeria in 1994, however declined to comment on the contract details or the exit of his long-term assistant Daniel Amokachi.
Reports indicate that former Nigeria striker Amokachi has left his role with immediate effect and has been replaced by Salisu Yusuf.
Yusuf, who led Kano Pillars to the Nigerian title in 2008, has previously worked as assistant to former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia at both senior and U-20 levels.
As caretaker coach, Keshi endured a tempestuous 2014, in which he was sacked by the NFF and only reinstalled after intervention from Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan.
His last two home matches in Abuja and Akwa Ibom were marred by a negative reaction from the public but the “big boss” has pleaded for the home supporters to be positive during the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in one of the toughest-looking groups, alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Tanzania and Chad.
“I understand we still have some disappointed people out there but our dedicated players deserve our encouragement and support.
“It doesn’t matter where they play, these boys always give everything and we need to stand by them and the coaching crew.
“I remain confident that this time around we will see an improvement, change in attitude and positive results,” he said.
Stephen Keshi, has been hit with good news of late as he only recently watched his daughter get married last month.
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