Stephen Keshi Agrees to Temporary Return as Nigeria Coach for AFCON Qualifiers
Outgoing Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has agreed to return to lead the Super Eagles for their upcoming 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, covering the next two crucial matches.
Keshi’s future with the Nigerian national team had been uncertain since their exit in the last 16 of the previous World Cup. Questions over whether the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach would continue in charge lingered for months. After prolonged and difficult negotiations, including involvement from Sports Minister Tammy Danagogo, Keshi initially announced a halt to talks last week.
However, BBC reports confirm that Keshi has now agreed to temporarily resume his role. The arrangement covers only the forthcoming qualifiers against Congo and South Africa, after which the coach and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will revisit contract discussions.
“After these two games, we will sit down and discuss a new contract,” Keshi told AIT Sports Extra, signalling that his long-term future with the Super Eagles remains under review.
The decision brings some stability ahead of important matches as Nigeria aims to secure qualification for the 2015 AFCON tournament.
