Stephen Keshi has agreed a two-year deal to coach the Super Eagles until 2017.  He won the African Cup of Nations  during his first tenure as coach.  He then took the Super Eagles to the World Cup last year, but on his return his deal was not renewed. He said: “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,”

“As a coach and former player I was also hurt that we failed to qualify for the last Nations Cup.

 “I remain confident that this time around we will see an improvement, change in attitude and positive results”

“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.”

It is understood that Keshi’s contract contains some clauses and stipulations, failure of which, could lead to the termination of his contract.  Salisu Yusuf, who won the Nigerian league title in 2008 as coach of Kano Pillars, has replaced his previous assistant Daniel Amokachi, who has left his post with immediate effect.

Keshi’s immediate task is the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Nigeria has been placed in a group with seven times champions Egypt, Tanzania and Chad. The Nigerian Coach said: “I understand we still have some disappointed people out there but our dedicated players deserve our encouragement and support. 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.”