Nigeria appoint Keshi for third time

Stephen Keshi has been appointed Nigeria coach
for the third time and signed a two-year contract
on Tuesday.

In his first spell he won the 2013 Africa Cup of
Nations but the deal was not renewed after the
2014 World Cup.
He later returned on a match-by-match deal,
which ended in November after failure to reach
the 2015 Nations Cup.
"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," Keshi told BBC
Sport.
"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."
BBC Sport understands that Keshi has been 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.
However, the NFF's technical committee boss
Felix Anyansi-Agwu said: "The NFF board is
confident Stephen Keshi can take the Super
Eagles to new heights.
"We want Nigerians to see this as a new
beginning and to support the team and the NFF."
Keshi, who also won the Nations Cup as a player
with Nigeria in 1994, declined to comment on the
contract details or the exit of his long-term
assistant Daniel Amokachi.
Former Nigeria striker Amokachi has left his role
with immediate effect and been replaced by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 U20 levels.
As caretaker coach, Keshi endured a turbulent
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 and Keshi 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," added
Keshi.
"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."



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