Legendary Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has been sensationally sacked as the trainer of the Super Eagles just hours after leading the side to their crucial 2015 Africa Cup of Nations win over Sudan.
Perennial caretaker coach Shuiabu Amodu has been named as the replacement with the mission of steering the side to qualify for the tournament to be held in Morocco early next year.
Keshi and his technical staff of Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shoromu will be sent on coaching courses in Europe to sharpen their skills in a clear indication that the NFF was not satisfied with their performance.
The hard fought victory over Sudan was not be enough to save Stephen Keshi’s job as the new Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board tossed him out of the window.
Former Super Eagles coach Shuaibu Amodu will take over from Keshi and he will be assisted by Gbenga Ogunbote to prosecute the remaining qualifying games away to Congo and home to South Africa.
His sacking is similar to what Ghana did to Kwesi Appiah who has sacked after last month's impressive 3-2 win over Togo with internal problems probably leading to the sacking.
Keshi, who led Nigeria to their third African title in 2013 and the last 16 in Brazil, was leading his side to a recovery after their poor start to qualifying for next year's tournament in Morocco.
However, the NFF first Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi thanked Keshi and his backroom staff for their contribution revealing the decision to do away with his services
"As we all know, Keshi and his technical crew's contract expired after the World cup, and the NFF have decided not to renew their contract," Akinwunmi said.
"The Federation appreciated his effort for the success he has achieved impact on development of our football.
"We have decided to sponsor him and his technical crew (Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shoromu) to any choice of their coaching school to acquire more knowledge in the game at our expense," Akinwunmi said.
The former Togo coach who was handed the reigns in November 2011 and won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations was relieved off his duties on Thursday morning despite leading Nigeria to a 3-1 win over Sudan hours before the announcement.
Further revelations indicate that the only reason why Keshi wasn’t fired the night after the loss to Sudan, the present NFF board member said some important people needed to be informed about the board’s intention to dispense with the service of the coach.
“We had to inform some people to get their approval so we can all be on same page and thankfully they accepted he should be relieved of his role; so no going back,†the source said.
Following a defeat by Sudan, Congo and a draw with South Africa, the Super Eagles were third in Group A, with only the top two teams guaranteed a place at the finals before they won against Sudan.
He also revealed that a new coach, preferably a foreign one will be in place by ending of October to continue with the quest to qualify for the 2015 Afcon in Morocco.
Amodu has been given temporary charge of the team to steer the side to Morocco.