Football
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Stephen Keshi sacked as coach of Nigeria despite Sudan victory

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has axed Stephen Keshi from his role as Nigeria coach.

Keshi, a former Super Eagles international, took charge of the team in 2011 and went on to lead them to African Nations Cup glory in 2013 and to qualification for the 2014 World Cup.

The NFF announced its decision on Thursday, just a day after Nigeria's 3-1 African Nations Cup qualifying victory over Sudan.

Despite the win, the Super Eagles sit third in Group A following defeats to Congo, Sudan and a goalless draw against South Africa.

The NFF said after an emergency meeting that former Nigeria boss Shuaibu Amodu will take temporary charge of the team for the remaining qualifying games against Congo and South Africa before a foreign coach is appointed.

Amodu is set for his fourth spell in charge of Nigeria after taking the reins in 1994, 2001 and 2010.

An official NFF statement read: "In the interest of Nigeria football and the desire to ensure qualification for the 2015 African Nations Cup finals, the committee decided to relieve them [Keshi and his coaching staff] of their duties with immediate effect."

Under Keshi, Nigeria claimed their first African Nations Cup title in 19 years, while he was named African Coach of the Year by the Confederation of African Football in 2013.

At the 2014 World Cup, the Super Eagles made it out of the group stage, only to suffer a 2-0 defeat to France in the round of 16.

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