by ‘Ifreke Inyang

The Technical Committee of the NFF has announced Stephen Keshi as the new coach of the Super Eagles. His appointment comes a few days after Samson Siasia was given the boot for failing to qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations. Keshi’s previous managerial experience has been as the Head Coach of Mali and Togo. Keshi achieved major success when he qualified Togo for the 2006 World Cup that was staged in Germany but was dismissed before the tournament.

“It was a unanimous decision taken by the Nigerian Football Federation to appoint Stephen Keshi as the new head coach of the national team,” Mike Umeh, the NFF deputy president said.

Stephen Keshi captained the Nigerian National team to the 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia and the World Cup in USA. The 49 year old was the Technical Committee’s recommendation after Siasia was fired. His new role was confirmed today after the NFF’s Executive Committee met in Abuja on Wednesday to discuss the issue. Keshi has been given a contract that will run till 2014. Just like Siasia, he has been mandated to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa and the World Cup that will take place in Brazil in 2014. He will also be free to choose his assistants.

Keshi’s first outings will be a series of already scheduled friendly matches.

Oluwapelumi