AFCON 2015: Nigeria Crash Out – Is This the End for Stephen Keshi?
Nigeria’s hopes of defending their Africa Cup of Nations title in Equatorial Guinea have come to a crashing halt. The reigning champions were eliminated from the 2015 AFCON qualifiers after a 2-2 home draw against South Africa on the final matchday, a result that has cast serious doubt over Stephen Keshi’s future as head coach.
It marks a sharp decline for the Super Eagles, who just two years ago stood atop African football under Keshi’s guidance, winning the 2013 AFCON. Nigeria was also the only African side to progress past the group stage at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Yet, the momentum has since stalled dramatically.
Keshi’s tenure has been turbulent. After the World Cup, he was relieved of his duties, only to be recalled by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) with the singular mission of steering the team to the 2015 tournament. That mission has now failed.
Nigeria needed a win in Uyo to keep their qualification hopes alive. But despite a spirited comeback from two goals down against Bafana Bafana, the draw was not enough. The result left the Super Eagles third in Group A — and out of the tournament.
The consequences could be far-reaching. With no title to defend and a team in clear decline, Stephen Keshi’s position looks increasingly untenable. Once hailed as the national hero, “Big Boss” Keshi may now be facing the end of his journey with the Super Eagles.
Nigeria’s dramatic fall from continental champions to spectators in just two years will undoubtedly prompt deep reflection within the NFF. For Keshi, the question is not if, but when, the axe will fall.
